Active Wells

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.

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. The Ordinance requires all well owners/operators within the San Antonio Creek Valley Basin (Basin) to install a flow meter with a visual, volume-recording totalizer on their wells, submit documentation of compliance by April 1, 2026, and report monthly groundwater extraction readings to the SABGSA on a twice-a-year basis. 

What’s Required by April 1, 2026:

1. Install a Flow Meter
Install a flow meter meeting the requirements outlined below and calibrated to an accuracy level of ±5%.
(For existing flow meters, see calibration note below and refer to the FAQ document below.)

2. Submit SABGSA’s Flow Meter Installation & Calibration Compliance Form.
This form is to be used to demonstrate flow meter installation and calibration compliance for both new and existing flow meters. Email submission is preferred.
Two versions are available:
• PDF Version – Complete one form per well.
• Excel Version – Recommended for landowners with multiple wells in lieu of the PDF.

3. Submit SABGSA’s Inactive Well: Intention of Future Use Form
Complete one form for each well currently registered as inactive.

4. Begin Monthly Flow Meter Readings
Beginning April 1, 2026, flow meters must be read and recorded between the 1st and 5th day of each month.
Reporting Period #1 covers April 2026 through September 2026.
The Groundwater Extraction / Flow Meter Reporting Form for Reporting Period #1 is due November 1, 2026.

SABGSA Compliance Forms and Resources

Flow Meter Installation & Calibration Compliance Form – due April 1, 2026
PDF Version – one form per well
Excel Version – multiple wells

Groundwater Extraction / Flow Meter Reporting Form
Period #1 (April 2026 – September 2026) – due November 1, 2026
Period #2 (October 2026 – March 2027) – due May 1, 2027

Frequently Asked Questions
Condensed Version
Full-length Version

List of Local Service Providers/Installers
Resource Guide

Well Coordinates
Instructions to Find Lat/Long

County of Santa Barbara – Well Meter Assistance Program ($500 Rebate)
Application – due June 30, 2026

Flow Meter Requirements (New and Existing Meters)

Install and submit SABGSA’s Flow Meter Installation & Calibration Compliance Form by April 1, 2026

Flow Meter Installation, Calibration, Operation & Maintenance Requirements

Install and Calibrate 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 repaired, recalibrated, or replaced with a flow meter meeting the requirements outlined in Section 3C of the Ordinance 25-001.

For Existing Flow Meters: Field accuracy testing and verification—performed as a non-invasive, on-site test comparing the installed flow meter’s readings to those of a calibrated reference meter—is an acceptable method for satisfying the SABGSA’s routine calibration requirement. Provided the flow meter’s verified accuracy is within the ±5% standard, removal of the flow meter for laboratory or manufacturer testing is not required. Please refer to SABGSA’s Frequently Asked Questions for more detail.

For Existing Flow Meters: If the manufacturer’s specifications do not include a recommended calibration schedule, the most recent calibration (field accuracy testing and verification as described above) must have occurred between April 1, 2021 and April 1, 2026.

Compliance Summary, Deadlines, and Required Documentation