State may examine “safe yield” report at crux of desert groundwater battle

Meeting notes:
Agenda packet: Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority CLICK HERE

The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority board agreed at its March 11 meeting to seek state review of one of two competing reports at the center of an ongoing legal fight over how much water can safely be pumped from the overdrafted aquifer – or the basin’s “safe yield.”

The authority is in mediation with the Indian Wells Water District over the safe yield issue. If they can’t come to agreement, a judge will determine the safe yield after a trial set for this June.

The authority has said safe yield is 7,650 acre feet per year, which is included in the region’s groundwater sustainability plan that was approved by the Department of Water Resources in 2022.

The water district, however, disputes that amount. It contends the basin’s safe yield is closer to 14,000 acre feet per year. In December, the water district provided a report that it says supports that number.

It’s that report, and other documents provided by the water district, that the authority voted to send to DWR for analysis.

Authority attorney Keith Lemieux said staff felt providing DWR an opportunity to weigh in on the water district’s documentation would be helpful to all parties. 

David Saint-Amand, who represents the water district on the authority board, questioned if the submission was required by law. It is not, said Lemieux

Audience member Mike Sinnott asked if the authority would submit all of the information it had to DWR. It would, said Lemieux.

Another audience member, Judy Decker, said that while she believes it is a good idea to submit this information to DWR, she questioned the qualifications of the people who work for DWR to be able to scientifically resolve the issue.

The board passed the motion with Saint-Amand voting no.