- Groundwater supplies nearly half of California’s water in normal years.
- New state report shows gains in recharge and well protection.
- Many wells remain stressed after recent drought years.
- Land sinking and long-term risks continue across large areas.
Monday, March 16, 2026 — California released a major groundwater report
on March 12, 2026, showing how the state’s underground water supply is holding up.
Groundwater plays a quiet but critical role. It provides about 40 percent of the state’s water in normal years and up to 60 percent during drought. As rivers and snowpack become less reliable, that dependence is growing.
Progress Since 2020.
The report, covering 2020 through 2024, shows real progress under the state’s groundwater law.
Local agencies have improved recharge efforts, sending more water back underground. They have also taken steps to protect drinking water wells and support Tribal water projects.
More than 1,500 projects are now underway. In recent years, these efforts have helped to add millions of acre-feet of water back into groundwater basins.
Lasting Impacts from Drought.
Even with these gains, the system is still recovering from recent drought.
From 2020 to 2022, California experienced its driest three-year stretch on record. With less surface water available, communities relied more heavily on groundwater.
That led to real impacts. Hundreds of wells went dry, and some areas are still struggling to recover.
Groundwater levels now show mixed results. Some wells are rising, while others continue to decline.
The Risk Beneath the Surface.
One of the biggest concerns is land subsidence. When too much groundwater is pumped, the ground can slowly sink.
The report estimates that thousands of square miles have experienced this kind of sinking in recent years, damaging infrastructure in some areas.
A Critical Water Backup.
California’s groundwater basins hold an enormous amount of water, far more than surface reservoirs. This makes them a key backup during dry periods.
More than 32 million people rely on groundwater, including millions who depend on it as their main source. Agriculture uses most of it, making careful management essential for both farms and communities.
Ongoing Challenges.
The report shows that progress is underway, but challenges remain.
Climate change is expected to bring longer droughts and greater pressure on water supplies. State officials say continued local and state cooperation will be essential.
Groundwater may be out of sight, but it remains one of California’s most important and closely watched resources.
