NEWMAN — The Newman City Council is expected to take action Tuesday on two regional water management items aimed at strengthening groundwater oversight and protecting domestic well owners. The Gustine City Council approved both measures at its Oct. 7 meeting by a 4-0 vote, with Council member Sherri Marsigli absent.
Newman council members will consider adopting the Delta-Mendota Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Agreement, which would authorize the city manager to sign on behalf of the city. The agreement establishes an independent public entity composed of participating Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to coordinate subbasin-wide groundwater sustainability efforts.
The move comes as the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority prepares to transition away from providing fiscal and administrative services for the subbasin by March 2026. The JPA is designed to ensure continuity of services required under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), including implementation of monitoring programs and pursuit of state and federal funding…