Metering and Reporting
Requirements for Active Wells
De Minimis Wells are Exempt:
De minimis wells – defined as extracting less than 2AFY for domestic purposes only – are exempt from the SABGSA’s metering and reporting requirements. Provided a well registration form is on file with the SABGSA, no further documentation is required.
Well Registration Form
Please update if there has been a change in ownership, well operator, or well status
Active Wells:
All active wells – defined as extracting more than 2AFY – are subject to the SABGSA’s metering and reporting requirements outlined in Ordinance 25-001.
Flow Meter Requirements:
Install by April 1, 2026
New and existing flow meters must meet the following requirements.
1. Flow meter must be capable of measuring the volume of groundwater extracted with an accuracy level of ±5%.
2. Flow meter must be equipped with either (a) a direct-reading rate of-flow indicator capable of showing instantaneous flow in gallons per minute or (b) a sweep hand indicator capable of determining the rate-of-flow by timing measurement.
3. Flow meter must be equipped with a visual volume-recording totalizer recorded in gallons, cubic feet, or acre-feet.
| Ordinance 25-001 Requirements | Resources for Landowners | Required Documentation | Deadline to Submit to Documentation to SABGSA |
Flow Meter Installation Install a Flow Meter per the specifications outlined in Ordinance 25-001. Calibration Flow Meter must be calibrated to achieve an accuracy level of ±5% by volume of groundwater extracted. For existing meters, on-site field accuracy testing and verification is an acceptable method for satisfying the SABGSA’s routine calibration requirement. See note below. | It is at the discretion of the landowner to select a qualified individual to install the flow meter per the manufacturer’s specifications. The SABGSA has developed a Resource Guide with a list of local service providers for reference. Please refer to SABGSA’s Frequently Asked Questions and Compliance Summary | SABGSA Flow Meter Installation & Calibration Compliance Form PDF Version – Submit one form per well. Excel Version – For multiple wells. | April 1, 2026 |
| Monthly Flow Meter Readings | Beginning April 1, 2026, flow meters are required to be read and recorded monthly between the 1st and 5th day of each month. | Monthly flow meter readings must be reported twice per year on May 1st and November 1st each year using the SABGSA’s Groundwater Extraction / Flow Meter Reporting Form | |
| Groundwater Extraction Reporting for Period #1 | Reporting Period #1: April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 September 2026 | SABGSA Groundwater Extraction/Flow Meter Reporting Form for Period #1 PDF Version – Submit one form per well. Excel Version – For multiple wells. | November 1, 2026 |
| Groundwater Extraction Reporting for Period #2 | Reporting Period #2: October 2026 November 2026 December 2026 January 2027 February 2027 March 2027 | SABGSA Groundwater Extraction/Flow Meter Reporting Form for Period #2 PDF Version – Submit one form per well. Excel Version – For multiple wells. | May 1, 2027 |
Documentation, Compliance Forms, and Deadlines for Active Wells:
Installation & Calibration Compliance Form
Submit Form by April 1, 2026
This form is to be used to demonstrate flow meter installation and calibration compliance for both new and existing meters.
Groundwater Extraction Reporting Form
Submit Form by November 1, 2026
Flow meters must be read and recorded/documented between the 1st and 5th day of each month beginning April 1, 2026. Reporting Period #1 is April 2026 – September 2026. Reporting Period #2 is October 2026 – March 2027.
Flow Meter Installation, Calibration, Operation & Maintenance Requirements – Install by April 1, 2026:
1. The Flow Meter must be installed, operated, and maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications, instructions, and recommendations.
2. Prior to installation or by April 1, 2026 at latest, the Flow Meter must be calibrated to achieve an accuracy level of ±5% by volume of groundwater extracted.
3. The Flow Meter must be calibrated pursuant to the schedule described in the manufacturer’s specifications. If no such schedule exists, calibration must be performed at least once every five years.
4. If the verification error exceeds 5% upon calibration, then the Flow Meter must be recalibrated or replaced with a flow meter meeting the requirements of Ordinance 25-001.