New groundwater rules

The groundwater legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday requires local water agencies to replenish underground aquifers that have been depleted. Farmers will likely have to meter their wells, and some may be forced to cease or dramatically reduce pumping.

By 2017, groundwater management agencies must be created across California.

By 2020, groundwater basins that are “overdrafted” (meaning more water is being pumped than replenished) must have “sustainability plans.”

By 2022, all other basins must have such plans.

By 2040, all “high and medium priority” basins must achieve sustainability.

McClatchy-Tribune