Metering Program


Metering Program

Public Hearing to Consider Adopting Well Metering and Groundwater Extraction Reporting Ordinance

January 21, 2025 at 6pm – SABGSA Board Meeting

The SABGSA Board shall consider adoption of a proposed Ordinance to require well owners within the San Antonio Creek Valley Groundwater Basin (Basin No. 3-014) 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 who extract two acre-feet or less per year solely for domestic purposes would be exempt. The proposed Well Metering and Groundwater Extraction Reporting Ordinance also may establish other related SABGSA rules and regulations necessary to implement the Well Metering and Groundwater Extraction Reporting Ordinance.

Stakeholder Workshop

On October 15, 2024, SABGSA held a public workshop to review the framework for the Metering Program. We appreciate everyone who took the time to attend. We want to hear from you! If you have any questions or comments regarding the workshop or the proposed program, please contact us at admin@sanantoniobasingsa.org.

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.

DRAFT Policy Documents

PLEASE NOTE: The proposed policies, actions, and compliance forms described below are in draft form and are subject to change.  The SABGSA will continue to update these as the framework for the metering program is developed.  The intent of posting these now is to provide landowners with advance notice of policies being considered by the SABGSA.

DRAFT Ordinance (with Exhibit A – Rules & Regulations) and Administrative Enforcement Policy:
DRAFT Ordinance – revised December 5, 2024
DRAFT Administrative Enforcement Policy – July 16, 2024
DRAFT Appeal Form and Fee Deposit Agreement – September 17, 2024

DRAFT SABGSA Forms:
DRAFT Flow Meter Installation Form
DRAFT Flow Meter Reporting Form

Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions – July 2024

Conceptual Framework:
Presentations from the Ad Hoc Committee
May 21, 2024
March 19, 2024
November 28, 2023
October 17, 2022
August 16, 2023
July 18, 2023

Resources:
SGMA-Meters, Measurement and Management – Sarge Green, Fresno State, Center for Irrigation Technology – Presentation to SABGSA April 16, 2024
Accurate Irrigation Water Flow Measurement in Pipes – Utah State University
Implementation of Magnetic Meters for Irrigation Volumetric Measurement – Cal Poly, SLO