ATTAINING SUSTAINABLE USE OF SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY GROUNDWATER FOR AGRICULTURE, TECHNICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

San Joaquin Valley agriculture is dependent on groundwater supplies for over 40% of total water needs. Declining availability of surface water imported into the area from the northern part of the State has returned the extraction rate to accelerated overdraft. Coincidentally, recent information on groundwater quality has shown that certain edaphic and hydrogeologic areas are contributing high levels of nitrates to shallow groundwater. Changes are needed in how to recharge groundwater and manage the lands, facilities and activities that have the greatest contribution to both supplies and quality. This discussion will present some of the current and proposed technical and institutional needs to optimize quantity and quality. Many of the tools are available but need to be implemented at the practical level by the agencies and authorities that have the site specific conditions that provide the opportunity for sustainable practices.