Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority releases Draft Rate & Fee Study, opens public review and appeals process

By PASO ROBLES PRESS STAFF REPORT · Fri May 15 2026

The Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority (PRAGA) has released its Draft Rate & Fee Study Report, launching a 20-day public review period and formal appeals process for its proposed Fiscal Year 2026–2027 groundwater fee program.

The draft report outlines the technical and legal framework for a fee structure designed to fund groundwater sustainability efforts required under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which mandates long-term balance of the Paso Robles Subbasin by 2040.

Landowners are encouraged to review their Water Year 2025 groundwater use data, which will be used to calculate proposed fees. Those who believe their usage data is inaccurate may submit formal appeals by Monday, June 8. Appeals must include supporting documentation such as flow meter records, electric bills, crop records, or alternative water supply verification.

The PRAGA Board will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 27, to consider adoption of the fee resolution and placement of charges on the county tax roll.

If approved, the proposed fee will fund the agency’s FY 2026–2027 budget of $1,095,446, supporting groundwater monitoring, compliance reporting, and administrative requirements tied to SGMA implementation.

PRAGA is a joint powers authority made up of the City of Paso Robles, the County of San Luis Obispo, the Shandon-San Juan Water District, and the Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District. The agency is responsible for managing the basin’s groundwater sustainability efforts and bringing the region into balance by 2040.