SGMA Water Policy in the San Joaquin Valley: The Top 3 Challenges Farmers Face

SGMA water policy in the San Joaquin Valley isn’t just a regulatory issue—it’s reshaping how water is managed in the Tulare Lake Subbasin and beyond.

Farmers aren’t just trying to comply with new rules; they’re fighting to secure the future of their operations while navigating uncertainty.

One of the biggest challenges is getting the Tulare Lake Subbasin out of probation and revising the plan to ensure a viable path forward.

1. Uncertainty Around Compliance

SGMA water policies in the San Joaquin Valley keep changing, and farmers are left scrambling to keep up. Reporting requirements, well registrations, and shifting expectations make it hard to know what’s required and what’s coming next. Many don’t have time to sit through lengthy policy meetings or sift through technical documents.

♦️ Solution: Farmers need clear, straightforward updates and a trusted source to break down what’s happening to make informed decisions without losing valuable time.

2. Water Access & Management Limits

The biggest concern? Water.

Groundwater pumping restrictions, unpredictable allocations, and regulatory hurdles force farmers to rethink their operations. The GSAs of the Tulare Lake Subbasin are working to revise their plans and avoid having the state take over. The stakes are higher than ever, and farmers are looking for ways to balance compliance while keeping their farms running.

♦️ Solution: A proactive water strategy is key. Stakeholders must stay engaged in local SGMA discussions to advocate for policies that benefit agriculture, not just regulators.

3. Lack of Representation in Policy Decisions

Many agriculture decisions are made without real input from the people working the land. Small and mid-sized farms often feel left out, assuming they don’t have a voice. But they do. As the Tulare Lake Subbasin revises its plan, agricultural voices are needed more than ever to ensure that the outcome is both compliant and realistic for farmers.

♦️ Solution: Farmers and ag organizations must stay engaged. When the wrong people shape policy, agriculture loses. Now is the time to show up, speak up, and make sure SGMA works for everyone.

SGMA water policy in the San Joaquin Valley isn’t going away, and waiting isn’t an option.

The Tulare Lake Subbasin is at a critical turning point. The farmers, organizations, and communities that take action today will have the best chance of shaping a water future that makes sense.

Let’s Talk – Need help navigating these challenges? Contact me at hello@julesmartella.com.

See you at the table,

Julie