1. State Board Signals Pumping Moratorium Along Frank Kern Canal — Timeline Is Fast The State Water Resources Control Board has signaled it could impose a moratorium on groundwater extraction within a 2-mile swath on both sides of the Frank Kern Canal unless the Tule Sub-basin GSAs produce an equivalent urgency plan. A draft interim plan is expected in January 2027 with board adoption targeted for April 2027. The moratorium would apply to all wells (except domestic) in the zone — no distinction between deep and shallow pumping — and board members discussed that the state's approach could prevent pumping even of previously banked/recharged water in that corridor, raising serious concerns about the viability of ongoing recharge investments.
Already have an account? Sign In
