CALIFORNIA — Communities seeking to protect local aquifers have until 5 p.m. Pacific time on December 4, 2026, to comment on proposed rules for a state groundwater grant program. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) published draft amendments to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program guidelines and a draft proposal solicitation package for a full funding round supported by Proposition 4.

What is open now?

The current process is a public review of draft funding rules, not a guarantee that individual wells or groundwater projects have already received money. DWR posted the draft guideline amendment and proposed solicitation package on October 5. The documents describe the framework officials are considering for the eventual application process.

Why rural communities should pay attention

Groundwater is a major water source for agricultural regions and communities without extensive surface-water infrastructure. Details such as which projects qualify, how costs are shared and what evidence an applicant must provide will affect which local groundwater agencies can compete for state assistance. Landowners should not assume this is a personal well-repair reimbursement program; the department’s published solicitation terms will control eligibility.

Important dates

November 17, 2026, 10 a.m.–noon: DWR lists a Tribal-focused information workshop on the draft solicitation. December 4, 2026, 5 p.m. PT: the deadline for public comment on draft guidelines and proposal documents. The department previously held a general information session on November 5.

Communities and agencies interested in these grants should read both the proposed guidelines and solicitation package before offering comments. Comments can help clarify eligible activities, matching requirements and application procedures, but they do not themselves constitute a grant application.

Official source: California Department of Water Resources — Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program. Consult the current page for documents and submission instructions.

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