Napa Valley groundwater sustainability fee implementation

The Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (NCGSA) has authorized new groundwater sustainability fees for users within the Napa Valley Subbasin. These fees are designed to fund the implementation of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) mandated by the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, with the goal of achieving sustainability by 2042.

Proposed rates for the 2026-27 fiscal year include a base fee of $17.53 per planted acre for all growers, regardless of whether they pump groundwater. Those using groundwater for irrigation will face an additional $26.91 per acre, bringing the total to $44.44 per acre. Other charges include $28.17 per parcel for rural homeowners and businesses with wells, and $58.47 per acre-foot for public water systems.

The shift toward user-funded fees follows a significant reduction in support from the county general fund, which dropped from approximately $2 million annually to $500,000 for the current fiscal year. While the agency previously utilized DWR grant funding, the new structure aims to provide stable revenue for the NCGSA. Industry representatives, including Michelle Novi of the Napa Valley Vintners, have expressed concern that these new expenses are difficult for the industry to manage given the current business climate.