Amendments to Adjudication of Main San Gabriel Basin Approved

Nossaman Partner Alfred Smith is quoted in the August issue of the California Water Association's On Tap newsletter.  The article, titled "Amendments to Adjudication of Main San Gabriel Basin Approved" (page 7), is about the amendments to the 1973 judgment for allocation of groundwater for the Main San Gabriel Basin.  The final amendments to the adjudication were approved on June 21, 2012 after years of collaborative discussions with all parties involved.

"The approval of the recent amendments adds tremendous flexibility in managing access to water and greater protection in times of drought," Mr. Smith is quoted as saying.  He continues, "The original judgment entered 40 years ago assumed there would be sufficient replenishment water available for purchase each year.  Recognizing that this is no longer the case, the Watermaster and affected stakeholders met and developed a solution that allows the pre-purchase of replenishment water when it is available. This will increase groundwater levels, enhance local water supply reliability and help water agencies meet increasing demand from their customers while ensuring a long-term balanced and sustainable groundwater basin."

Among other changes that enhance Basin management, the amendments increase the flexibility in timing and ability to purchase supplemental water supplies and provide the Watermaster the flexibility to effectively respond to changing water conditions.

"I applaud the stakeholders for working together collaboratively in this effort, which expands conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water supplies for future use," commented Mr. Smith. "This model for enhancing long-term sustainability of reliable water supplies is something other basins may look to as they consider their respective water supplies and strive to maximize the beneficial use of water resources."