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In the early days of Ventura County agriculture, crops were dry farmed or irrigated using surface water diverted from creeks and rivers. But as cultivation expanded and technology improved, growers increasingly turned to the most abundant and reliable local water source: groundwater, captured in the immense alluvial basins that underlie much of the county’s plains and valleys.
Today, local groundwater accounts for most of the county’s overall water supply, and nearly all the water used to irrigate crops. Imported state water is a critical source for urban residents in the eastern and central parts of the county, while a combination of groundwater, impounded surface water and recycled water serve the central and western regions.
Heavy reliance on groundwater pumping, which increases significantly during drought, has led to problems in some basins, ranging from seawater intrusion along the coast to deteriorating quality and falling water levels in other areas. Over the past century, Ventura County’s agricultural and urban interests have shown a remarkable degree of foresight and cooperation in managing local water resources to address such issues. That collaborative spirit is being tested, however, by the dawning of a new era in water management.
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), state legislation that took effect Jan. 1, 2015, lays out a process and a timeline for local authorities to achieve sustainable management of groundwater basins. It also provides tools, authorities and deadlines to take the necessary steps to achieve the goal. For local agencies involved in implementation, the requirements are significant and can be expected to take years to accomplish.
In Ventura County, seven GSAs have been newly formed, or created within existing Groundwater Management Agencies, to implement the requirements of SGMA. Each of these GSAs, along with the basins under their oversight, are listed below.
Farm Bureau is playing an important role in monitoring these efforts to make sure agricultural interests are represented in the discussions, and serving as an information hub so growers and landowners can remain informed and engaged. For more information on each GSA, including how you can follow GSP developments and get involved, follow the links provided above.
California Department of Water Resources SGMA
Interactive map of groundwater basins and GSAs
Groundwater Resources Association of California
Association of California Water Agencies SGMA
Fox Canyon Groundwater management Agency
Watersheds Coalition of Ventura County
Ventura County’s groundwater basins
It depends on weather, soil type, location, type of crop and maturity of the plants. But on average, it takes about 3 acre-feet per acre per year to properly irrigate mature orchards and long-season crops such as berries. Crops that mature relatively quickly, such as most vegetables, typically need only 1 to 2 acre-feet per acre during the growing season, but there generally will be several crops planted each year on the same piece of ground.
Most growers use high-efficiency drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation systems to minimize runoff and reduce waste. Many have also installed technologically sophisticated soil moisture sensors and computerized irrigation management systems to carefully calibrate plant water needs. Orchard owners also use mulch to control weeds and aid in moisture retention.