Well Registration and Metering Policy
On August 13, 2025, the CGSA Board of Directors adopted Resolution 039 requiring all private well owners within the Carpinteria Groundwater Basin to register their wells and install a CGSA-approved meter. Both the well registration and metering mark a significant step toward more accurate tracking of groundwater extraction and equitable implementation of SGMA requirement.
Below is the Well Registration and Metering Policy Summary Table outlining upcoming requirements and deadline dates.
| Requirement | Details | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Registration | All wells—active, inactive, abandoned, de minimis—must be registered with the Agency | March 31, 2026 | Submit Private Well Registration Form |
| Flowmeter Install/Registration | Active wells must install CGSA-approved AMI-compatible flowmeter and register it | March 31, 2026 | AMI-compatible meter required |
| Annual Exemption Form | De minimis, inactive, abandoned wells must file exemption form | May 31 annually | Proof required; $35 fee for inactive/abandoned only |
| Start of AMI-based billing period | First full AMI billing period for metered wells | May 1, 2026 | Applies to metered wells |
| Collection through county tax rolls | Groundwater charges collected via tax rolls | Starting November 2027 | |
| Fee Calculation | Charges per acre-foot of groundwater extracted | Ongoing | Current rate $79/acre-foot, subject to annual revision |
| Penalties | Noncompliance, inaccurate/past-due forms, tampering | Ongoing | $120 to $1,000 per day, depending on severity and recurrence |
| Exemptions from Metering | De minimis wells (≤ 2 acre-feet/year), inactive/abandoned wells | Ongoing | Exemption form required; proof for inactive/abandoned |
| Compliance Enforcement | CGSA staff access for inspection/maintenance; penalty appeals process | Ongoing | Board review for disputes |