Napa Valley winegrowers face new groundwater sustainability fees

Napa Valley winegrowers are facing new groundwater sustainability fees as county leaders move to comply with California state requirements. Under proposed rates for the 2026-27 fiscal year, all planted acres will be charged a base fee of $17.53, even for growers who do not pump groundwater. Those utilizing groundwater for irrigation will face an additional $26.91 per acre, totaling $44.44 per acre.

County officials stated the base fee is justified because all growers benefit from the availability of the regional aquifer, which stretches from Calistoga to south of Napa. The revenue is intended to fund the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency. This follows a reduction in county general fund support for the agency, which dropped from approximately $2 million annually to $500,000 for the current fiscal year.

Industry representatives have expressed concern regarding the timing of these costs. Michelle Novi of the Napa Valley Vintners noted that the new expenses are difficult for the industry to weather given the current business climate. Other charges include $28.17 per parcel for rural homeowners and businesses with wells, and a $58.47 per acre-foot fee for public water systems.