Shortcourse: Introduction to groundwater, watersheds, and the nuts and bolts of sustainable groundwater plans

Understanding the fundamental principles of groundwater and watersheds and how we monitor, assess, and sustainably manage these resources with climate change and variability is critical and integral to Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) and other water-related programs. Whether at the local, state, or federal level, these programs are designed for sustainable development, management, and protection of water resources in California among competing users.

As Groundwater Sustainability Agencies in California develop and implement their GSPs, professionals, decision makers, executives, agency employees, and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and in a wide variety of private, non-profit, and government responsibilities at local, state, and federal levels, become directly or indirectly involved in the sustainable management and assessment of groundwater and surface water to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Yet, many participants find themselves lacking the multidisciplinary background and expertise to meaningfully participate in the technical and regulatory efforts related to water resources management. The amount of technical information available often seems overwhelming.

This shortcourse will review the fundamental principles of groundwater and watershed hydrology, water budgets, water quality, and water law and regulation in an intuitive, highly accessible fashion. Through real world examples, participants will learn about the most common tools for measuring, monitoring, and assessing groundwater and surface water resources.

The course will then review the key elements of a GSP. Case studies are used so participants learn about

• Development of conceptual models, water budgets, and GSP sustainability criteria;
• Designing minimum thresholds and operating targets (measureable objectives) for GSPs and how to link those to monitoring networks;
• Methods for addressing climate variability and climate change;
• Recharge as a tool to enhance groundwater supplies;
• GSA governance; and
• Available online planning resources.

The course is specifically geared towards an audience that is or will be involved in the management, assessment, and protection of groundwater and surface water resources under SGMA, but also engages with, e.g., source water assessments, urban water management plans, and integrated regional water management plans. Course attendees, who may have some experience with but no formal training in hydrology or related engineering or science fields, will benefit from the basic and intuitive, yet comprehensive approach of this course.

Click here for more information and to register.