PRAGA releases FAQ ahead of groundwater fee vote and appeals deadline

By Staff Report · Tue May 26 2026

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority has released a frequently asked questions document addressing concerns from landowners and stakeholders about a proposed groundwater sustainability fee scheduled for consideration later this month.

According to PRAGA, the FAQ responds to questions submitted since the release of the Draft Rate & Fee Study Report on May 7. Topics include the legal basis for the proposed fee, how groundwater consumption is calculated, the methodology used by consultant Land IQ to estimate water use, and the appeals process available to property owners.

"The PRAGA Board is committed to creating an equitable fee for all groundwater users in the basin. Using a recent groundwater use period as the basis for a volumetric fee is the most equitable approach, and most common practice. Transparency and community engagement are central to this process, and the FAQ is one more resource to help property owners understand the proposed fee," said Matt Turrentine, PRAGA Board Chairman.

The PRAGA Board of Directors is scheduled to consider adoption of the groundwater sustainability fee during its May 27 meeting at Centennial Park. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in the Norris Room, with discussion of the fee expected to start at 5 p.m.

If approved, the fee would fund PRAGA’s proposed $1.09 million budget for fiscal year 2026–27, supporting groundwater monitoring, compliance, reporting, and administration tied to California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act mandate to bring the Paso Robles Subbasin into sustainability by 2040.

The proposed fee would be based on consumed groundwater use during Water Year 2025, which spans Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025.

Landowners wishing to challenge their consumed groundwater use data have until June 8 to submit formal appeals. PRAGA said appeals must include supporting documentation such as flow meter records, pump electric bills, crop yield records, or proof of alternative water supplies.

Appeals may be submitted by email or mail, and the official appeal form and FAQ are available through PRAGA’s website.

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.