1. Groundwater Pumping Reduction Programs Are Advancing with Multiple Strategies The County is implementing several water conservation programs including a pilot certification partnership, domestic water conservation initiatives, and extended vineyard replanting programs. A pilot water tracking program using software is being tested in the MST area, allowing growers to easily report water use through a smartphone app that takes pictures of meter readings.
2. Recharge Feasibility Study Launched to Explore Water Storage Options Staff are analyzing three recharge scenarios: direct surface water recharge, surface water diversion to ponds for in-lieu irrigation use, and combining recharge with extended vineyard replanting in areas near significant streams. The study will evaluate technical and economic feasibility, with results expected at the November meeting.
3. Stream Flow Monitoring Shows Positive Results from Conservation Efforts Modeling scenarios demonstrated that 10% pumping reductions within 500-1,500 feet of streams could increase low flows by 0.2-1.0 cubic feet per second and reduce exceedances of minimum thresholds for stream depletion. The County received an $806,000 grant to install stream gauges at five locations including Redwood Creek, Milliken Creek, and the Napa River in Calistoga.
4. New Stream Gauges Coming Online Five new stream gauges will be installed through the CalSIP grant program at Redwood Creek, Milliken Creek, Dry Creek, Conn Creek, and the Napa River in Calistoga to improve flow monitoring.
5. Wildlife Monitoring Reveals Ecosystem Benefits 2025 biological surveys showed significantly more steelhead and Chinook juveniles compared to 2024, with cooler stream temperatures providing better habitat conditions for fish rearing.
6. Water Rights Questions Need Resolution for Recharge Programs Growers interested in recharge opportunities face questions about existing water rights capacity and permitting requirements for diverting and storing additional water beyond current frost protection uses.
7. Extended Replanting Programs Could Provide Conservation Benefits Staff are developing incentive programs for extending the period between vineyard removal and replanting, potentially reducing water use by several percent per participating parcel while exploring soil health benefits during fallow periods.
8. Benchmarking Program Using OpenET Data A water use benchmarking dashboard has been developed using OpenET satellite data to provide growers with comparative water use information, though staff acknowledge the data has limitations and works better for relative comparisons.
9. Expanded Community Outreach Plan in Development A Water Conservation Community Engagement and Education Plan is being finalized to increase stakeholder participation and promote water stewardship throughout the valley, building on the "Mind the Drip" framework.
10. Collaboration Opportunities with Sustainable Conservation The Resource Conservation District is partnering with Sustainable Conservation and the Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance on a project to develop best management practices for on-farm recharge in vineyards.
Next Steps for Growers: The next TAG meeting is scheduled for November 13th, with a tentative meeting on December 11th. Growers interested in participating in pilot programs or providing input on recharge opportunities should contact Jameson Crosby at Napa County Natural Resources Conservation. For questions about groundwater management or to get involved in ongoing programs, reach out to county staff or attend future meetings.
