Groundwater Sustainability Updates and NVG's Ongoing Advocacy

​Water has always been at the heart of sustainable farming in the Napa Valley. As California's groundwater regulations move from planning into implementation, Napa Valley growers are entering a new phase of compliance, and NVG is with you every step of the way.
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Here is what you need to know right now.

New Groundwater Sustainability Fees Are Coming to Your Tax Bill

In December 2025, the Napa County Board of Supervisors adopted groundwater sustainability fees for the Napa Valley Subbasin. These fees fund the state-mandated Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), which establishes a 20-year framework for managing the subbasin's water resources responsibly.

Fees apply to parcels located outside the municipal water service areas of Calistoga, St. Helena, Napa, and Yountville. If you are unsure whether your property is affected, use Napa County's Online Public GIS Map to check your parcel. Fees will appear on property tax bills in August 2026.
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Exact fee amounts have not yet been finalized.

NVG Heard at the County Budget Hearing

​We are pleased to report that NVG's advocacy is making a difference. Working alongside industry partners, NVG brought grower concerns directly to county leadership regarding the initial financial burden of these fees. At the June 16, 2026, Napa County Budget Hearing, the Board of Supervisors heard those concerns and directed staff to explore ways to reduce fees in this first year of implementation. We will continue to keep members informed as this process develops.

A Note for Dry Farmers

Growers who dry farm may qualify for a lower fee rate, applied only to dry-farmed acres. To be eligible, contact the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (NCGSA) by July 10, 2026:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 707-253-4471

Do not miss this deadline if you believe your operation qualifies.

Attend a Virtual Community Meeting

NCGSA staff are hosting two virtual Q&A sessions to answer grower questions about the fees and the GSP. Both are open to the public.

• Wednesday, June 17, 3:00–4:30 PM (today)
• Wednesday, July 1, 5:30–7:00 PM

Registration is required. We encourage growers and vineyard managers to attend and come with questions.

NVG's Long-Term Work on Groundwater

This is not a new issue for NVG. For several years, we have actively engaged in the GSP process on behalf of Napa Valley growers, working to ensure that the realities of vineyard water use are understood and reflected in county policy.

Our ongoing advocacy includes:

• Representing growers on the GSP Advisory Committee
• Providing public comment and presentations to the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)
• Regular correspondence with county staff to advance effective water management strategies

​As a direct result of NVG's continued engagement, Napa County has committed to developing incentive programs for growers who have already implemented effective water conservation practices and are willing to share their data with the county. NVG will continue participating in stakeholder discussions as those programs take shape.

Tools and Resources to Help You Reduce Groundwater Pumping

The GSP is designed to keep groundwater resources at or above 2015 levels, measured across six sustainability indicators including groundwater levels, storage, water quality, land subsidence, and surface water interaction.

Growers who need to reduce pumping have a range of practical options available this season:

• Stretch irrigation intervals where possible
• Manage canopies actively (hedge often, reduce leaf area early)
• Switch to surface water or recycled water if available
• Use shade cloth and ET-reducing tools to lower vine stress
• Monitor vine water status with pressure chambers or sap flow sensors

For longer-term planning, choices around rootstock selection, row orientation, soil ripping depth, and on-site water storage can meaningfully reduce groundwater dependence over time.
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NVG's Water and Irrigation resource library offers seminar recordings, best practice guides, and more to support your planning. Visit napagrowers.org/water--irrigation to explore.

​Protecting the Napa Valley Subbasin is a shared responsibility, and Napa Valley growers have long been leaders in efficient, thoughtful water stewardship. NVG will continue to advocate for fair, science-based implementation of these regulations while helping members navigate the path forward.