AB 359: The well will soon be dry

Currently there is no statewide groundwater mapping system in California. Our supply of groundwater is vital to California's agricultural industry, communities, and environment, but climate change, increasing population, and development puts it under intense pressure. AB 359 (Huffman) requires local groundwater agencies, as a condition of receiving state grants or loans for groundwater projects, to include in their management plans a map identifying groundwater recharge areas. This bill does not require any land use changes; it simply directs local agencies to make better-informed land use decisions when it comes to development and protecting areas with significant recharge potential.