Napa County GSA - Groundwater Sustainability Fee Virtual Community Meeting (June 17, 2026)

This virtual community meeting held by Napa County on June 17, 2026, focused on the proposed Groundwater Sustainability Fee under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). County staff and consultants presented details on the fee's purpose, budget, revenue requirements, and fee structure for different groundwater user classes, including agricultural irrigators, self-supplied domestic and commercial users, and public water systems. The discussion covered fee calculations based on planted crop acreage, groundwater extraction, and parcel charges, as well as provisions for fee waivers for low-income self-supplied users funded by the county's general fund. Attendees were informed about the July 10, 2026 deadline to submit claims for fee adjustments related to dry farming, alternative water sources, vine removal, or well location verification. The meeting also provided instructions on using an interactive GIS map to determine parcel inclusion within the groundwater subbasin boundary. Questions from the community addressed topics such as eligibility for fee waivers, verification of alternative water sources, and metering requirements. The county plans to finalize rates by late July 2026 and place charges on tax bills by August 10, 2026.