Well Metering & Groundwater Extraction Reporting Program Overview
Program Summary
On March 18, 2025, the SABGSA Board adopted Ordinance 25-001 requiring well owners within the San Antonio Creek Valley Groundwater 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, through a form provided by the SABGSA. De minimis extractors – defined as those who extract two acre-feet or less per year solely for domestic purposes – are exempt from metering and reporting requirements. Ordinance 25-001 also outlines a pathway to exemption for inactive and abandoned wells provided all of the SABGSA’s criteria are met.
Compliance Summary and Key Deadlines
Below is a summary of definitions, requirements, and key deadlines for SABGSA’s Metering & Groundwater Extraction Reporting Program. There is also a page dedicated to each well type to provide clarity.
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
Policy Documents
Ordinance 25-001: Requiring Well Meter Installation & Reporting of Groundwater Extraction – Adopted March 18, 2025
Resolution 25-001 : Administrative Enforcement Policy – Adopted April 15, 2025
Resolution 25-002: Appeal Form and Fee & Deposit Agreement – Adopted May 20, 2025.
Program Goals
Program Objective: Facilitate consistent and reliable reporting of groundwater extraction volumes excluding de minimis wells (under 2AFY).
Program Purpose: Provide accurate and reliable data of groundwater extraction volumes as specified in GSP as a Tier 1 Management Action. Informs future SABGSA demand management actions.
Program Goal: Sustainably manage, protect, and maintain the groundwater resources within the Basin consistent with SGMA for the benefit of all water users.
