Water workshop set for next weekend

The Madera Tribune Local nonprofits and others plan to host a workshop for rural residents next Saturday on how to help shape new local groundwater rules.

The workshop will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 at Fresno State University’s Center for Irrigation Technology conference room at 5370 N. Chestnut Ave. in Fresno. Lunch will be provided.

Participants will learn about how Groundwater Sustainability Plans are being drafted by newly formed Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, and how they can make sure these meet their needs.

This year, the agencies will host stakeholder review meetings to seek feedback on the drafts before submitting final versions to the state by January 2020. The plans will determine “who gets to use groundwater and how much,” according to workshop planners.

Workshop topics include: “developing a water budget, understanding undesirable results, evaluating management actions and projects, and practicing group dialogues with stakeholders with varying interests.”

The workshop is sponsored by the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, Self-Help Enterprises, Community Water Center the Union of Concerned Scientists and Fresno State.

Funding for the workshop has been provided in full or in part from the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.

Organizers urge rural community residents on a small water system and those with private domestic wells to attend. Those interested can register online at http://bit.ly/RSVPFresnoWorkshop.

For details, contact water policy coordinator Amanda Monaco, of the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, at amonaco@leadershipcounsel.org or 369-2788 ext. 1003.