Groundwater Fees Reduced by 50-60% Following Industry Advocacy

​Napa Valley Grapegrowers is pleased to share that the Napa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to approve a revised fee structure for the county's Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), resulting in a projected 50-60% reduction in fees for agricultural users in fiscal year 2026-27.

What Changed

The board adopted a revised budget that draws down the GSA's existing fund balance rather than collecting the full program cost through user fees in the current year. Key adjustments include:

• Charges for services were reduced from approximately $2.168 million to $931,000
• The fund balance will be decreased by roughly $750,000 to offset the difference
• Agricultural users can expect their per-acre fees to reflect the 50-60% reduction once final calculations are complete

​County staff will finalize fee amounts after a July 10 feedback deadline, which will ensure growers who are dry farming, have removed vines, or are using surface or recycled water are properly accounted for. A formal resolution with specific fee amounts for FY 2026-27 will come before the board on July 28.

Why It Matters

​The original fee postcards sent to agricultural users created a significant financial shock across the community. NVG, along with Napa Valley Vintners, Winegrowers of Napa County, and the Napa County Farm Bureau, submitted joint policy recommendations calling for a revised approach that minimizes the impact while preserving the integrity of the groundwater program. The board's response reflects those shared concerns.

What Comes Next

Napa County staff made clear that fees will continue to evolve as the program matures. Growers should be aware that the current reduction is made possible in part by drawing on fund balance reserves, which are not unlimited. The county is committed to identifying savings within the work plan, and officials signaled they are reconsidering spending in areas that have not yielded measurable results.
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Supervisors also expressed strong interest in moving toward metering and monitoring, and noted that long-term fee stability will depend on both reducing groundwater use and increasing storage through tools like floodplain reconnection and infiltration opportunities.

NVG's Perspective

​This outcome is a meaningful win for Napa Valley growers and reflects what is possible when the agricultural community speaks with a unified voice. We are grateful for the collaboration with our industry partners and encouraged by the board's responsiveness during these challenging times in our industry. Their ability to listen and adapt signifies a strong and respectful working relationship for the betterment of our entire county.