Domestic Well Mitigation Program

The Domestic Well Mitigation Program is designed to help safeguard eligible domestic well users and small water systems from well impacts associated with declining groundwater levels caused by Subbasin groundwater management.

Program at a glance

Focuses on eligible domestic wells and small water systems.
Provides a process for emergency water assistance and investigation.
Potential solutions may include pump lowering, well deepening or replacement, or connection to a nearby water system.
A $300,000 funding pool has been set aside to support timely response.

Need water now?

If your domestic well has stopped producing water, contact your local GSA or the Subbasin program contact as soon as possible. Short-term emergency assistance may include bottled water or tank delivery while your application and field investigation are reviewed.

Program Overview

New policy safeguards domestic wells in the Delta-Mendota Subbasin

A new Domestic Well Mitigation Program is being implemented to protect shallow well users from declining groundwater levels caused by Subbasin groundwater management. The Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies developed the program using state and community organization guidelines.

While fewer than three wells per year are expected to be affected, the Mitigation Policy provides a process to respond to eligible domestic well impacts and identify appropriate solutions.

Domestic

Focus on household water needs

Emergency

Short-term water assistance may be available

Solutions

Well-specific mitigation options are being evaluated

Eligibility

Who can apply?

The program focuses on domestic well owners and small water systems that rely on groundwater for household water needs. Eligibility is based on the well’s use, timing, registration status where applicable, and consistency with GSA-approved thresholds.

Eligibility Checklist

The well is used for domestic or household water needs, or serves a small water system.
The well was in use when the revised Groundwater Sustainability Plan was adopted in 2024.
The well owner registers the well, if the local GSA has a well registration program.
The well was not installed after GSP adoption at a shallower depth than applicable GSA-approved thresholds.

How the program works

From emergency request to long-term solution

The program is designed to provide short-term assistance while the local GSA investigates the cause of the well issue and identifies the most appropriate mitigation option.

1. Request Emergency Assistance

If a domestic well stops producing water, the well owner may request short-term emergency assistance, such as bottled water or tank delivery.

2. Submit an Application

After a complete application is submitted, the GSA will make reasonable efforts to provide short-term emergency water while the issue is reviewed.

3. Field Investigation

The GSA where the well is located will conduct a field investigation to determine the cause of the well failure.

4. Identify the Appropriate Solution

Potential solutions may include lowering a pump, deepening or replacing a well, or connecting to a nearby water system.

What if the issue is not related to groundwater levels?

If the well failure is not related to groundwater levels, such as a mechanical issue, the GSA will help connect the well owner with other available resources where possible.

Potential mitigation solutions

If the field investigation determines that the well impact is eligible under the program, the GSA will identify the most appropriate solution based on site-specific conditions.

Program funding

A $300,000 funding pool has been set aside to allow a quick response to a domestic well failure. Each GSA will also fund its own investigations and emergency water supplies as needed.

Questions or need assistance?

Contact your local GSA or Subbasin program contact

For questions about eligibility, emergency assistance, application materials, or the field investigation process, contact the appropriate GSA or program representative.