- New reports show stable water levels and fewer dry wells.
- Groundwater supplies remain crucial amid climate uncertainty.
- Public comment opens for draft statewide groundwater report.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 — As California enters a new water year, the state is celebrating ten years since the passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) — a landmark law that reshaped how communities manage the water beneath their feet. On October 20, 2025, the Department of Water Resources (DWR)
released two major reports showing steady progress toward long-term groundwater sustainability.
The reports — the Semi-Annual Groundwater Conditions Update and a draft of California’s Groundwater Update 2025 — highlight improvements in groundwater levels, fewer dry wells, and expanded monitoring efforts statewide. The data help local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) track water levels and adjust management strategies in response to changing weather and water use.
“California’s groundwater-reliant communities are no stranger to the impacts of our changing climate,” said Paul Gosselin, DWR’s Deputy Director of Sustainable Water Management. “Since 2020, we’ve seen incredible progress from our local partners to invest in flexible strategies to respond to changing hydrologic conditions.”
Key Findings from Water Year 2025: Fewer New Wells.
The latest Semi-Annual Update shows groundwater stability across most of California, despite below-average precipitation last year.
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Stable levels: From spring 2024 to spring 2025, 72 percent of wells held steady, 13 percent rose by more than five feet, and 15 percent declined by more than five feet.
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Fewer dry wells: Fewer dry wells were reported in 2025 than in any of the past five years.
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Land subsidence: Ground sinking continues in parts of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Tulare Lake regions, though rates have slowed compared to the last decade.
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Monitoring expansion: DWR now operates 235 groundwater monitoring sites equipped with real-time telemetry — a network that helps identify trouble spots early.
The report also notes that fewer new domestic and irrigation wells were installed in 2025 than in any year over the past decade, indicating a slower expansion of groundwater use. DWR plans to continue releasing semi-annual updates each spring and fall to help local managers refine their plans under SGMA.
Draft Groundwater Update 2025.
Alongside the data report, DWR released a draft version of California’s Groundwater Update 2025, also known as Bulletin 118. This comprehensive assessment compiles data from 2020 through 2024, combining GSA annual reports with real-time information from California’s Groundwater Live platform.
More than 80 percent of Californians rely on groundwater for at least part of their water supply, and during drought years, that share can rise to 60 percent. The update underscores how groundwater acts as a critical buffer during dry times — and how climate change continues to affect underground reserves.
The draft report also includes findings and recommendations designed to align groundwater management with other statewide planning efforts, including the California Water Plan, Water Resilience Portfolio, and Water Supply Strategy.
Public Review and Next Steps.
DWR will host a virtual overview of the draft report on November 4, 2025, and is inviting public feedback through a 45-day comment period. All submitted comments will be reviewed before the final version of the report is released in Spring 2026.
As California’s climate grows more unpredictable, the department says collaboration among state, local, and regional partners remains essential to protect the state’s hidden — but vital — groundwater resources.
Image via the California Department of Water Resources’ news release: California Department of Water Resources commemorates the 10-Year Anniversary of the historic passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) with an all-day event held at the Natural Resources building in Sacramento.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)?
Passed in 2014, SGMA requires local agencies to form groundwater sustainability plans that ensure long-term balance between water use and recharge in their regions.
Why is groundwater so important to California?
Groundwater provides up to 60 percent of California’s total water supply during droughts and serves as a safety net when surface water runs low.
What is land subsidence?
Land subsidence occurs when too much groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, causing the land above to sink. This can damage canals, roads, and infrastructure.
How can the public get involved?
Residents can review the draft California Groundwater Update 2025 and submit comments through DWR’s public review process open until early December 2025.
When will the final report be available?
The final California Groundwater Update 2025 is scheduled for release in Spring 2026.
