In the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, California is doubling down on groundwater. Recent announcements from the Newsom administration highlight new partnerships and initiatives to capture and store more groundwater—a resource that already supplies 85% of Californians and accounts for nearly 60% of our water use during drought years.
Groundwater: The Unsung Hero of California’s Water Supply
Groundwater has always been a silent workhorse. When rivers run low and reservoirs shrink, it’s the aquifers beneath our feet that keep faucets running and crops growing. In drought years, communities and farmers alike drill deeper and pump harder to sustain their needs. And yet, this invisible resource is finite.
Why Groundwater Alone Isn’t Enough
Despite its importance, relying on groundwater alone is risky. A recent state report warns that our aquifers are already overdrawn. In parts of the Central Valley, excessive pumping has led to subsidence—the sinking of land that damages roads, canals, and even the California Aqueduct. Groundwater recharge projects help, but they can’t replenish the resource as quickly as it’s being depleted.
Moreover, climate change adds a new layer of uncertainty. Less predictable rainfall and more intense droughts mean recharge opportunities are scarcer and demands on the water table are greater than ever before.
The Need for a Broader Water Portfolio
California’s water future can’t hinge on any single source. Groundwater will continue to be essential, but it must be balanced with:
- Surface storage projects like the proposed Sites Reservoir.
- Modernized conveyance systems, including the debated Delta Conveyance.
- Stormwater capture and urban water recycling.
- Conservation efforts that reduce demand across all sectors.
A Call to Action
Groundwater is our emergency reserve, not our everyday allowance. If we continue to treat it as a limitless resource, we’ll drain our safety net dry. Californians must advocate for smart investments in water infrastructure, equitable access to water resources, and sustainable groundwater management.
The well won’t save us on its own—but a diversified, forward-thinking approach might.
To learn more about sustainable water strategies and how your organization can take action, reach out to the team at BCG.
