According to the California Farm Bureau Ag Alert, the California State Water Resources Control Board has approved fee increases for water rights and water quality programs for the 2024-25 period to address budget shortfalls. The new fees impact farmers and ranchers, particularly for groundwater recharge projects aimed at replenishing critically overdrafted aquifers under the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
Agriculture representatives, including the California Farm Bureau, expressed concern that high fees could deter participation in vital groundwater recharge efforts. Proposed fee hikes include substantial increases for permits, with some costs rising from $6,000 to as much as $58,000, depending on the timing of applications. While the board opted for a 50% reduction in water rights fee increases, other water quality fees, such as those for wastewater discharge and irrigated lands, will rise by around 5%.
Despite the increases, state officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, emphasize groundwater recharge as crucial for water conservation efforts. Stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate with the board to manage water resources and compliance costs more effectively.
Further discussions on the fee increases are expected in a fall stakeholder meeting.
