Today’s Lunch-MAR presentation will focus on how much Central Valley water is available for recharge. Join presenter Caitlin Peterson, associate director and research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California Water Policy Center, in a discussion about designing better policies and improving interagency partnership to bolster recharge during wet periods. Also, learn about a survey conducted last year that lead experts to estimate that approximately 3.5 million acre-feet of water went uncaptured for recharge in 2023. Today’s hour-long webinar begins at 12:30 p.m.

A new statewide initiative called the Groundwater Demand Management Network (Network) has launched to help manage California's critical groundwater resources. The Network is designed to be a comprehensive community of practice, bringing together groundwater managers, agricultural producers, municipal water suppliers, and other partners. The Network is also developing its California Groundwater Community Needs Assessment to help shape programming, identify priority needs, and establish partnerships across the state. All parties interested in supporting the assessment are encouraged to participate in the inaugural stakeholder survey. The survey is an important early step to identify the diverse needs of different communities. Completing the survey takes only five minutes, and the survey will be available through Tuesday, Sept. 30. Survey results will be used to guide the services that the Network will offer.

The next Basin Characterization Exchange (BCX) virtual presentation will be on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 12:30 p.m. The hour-long webinar, “Critical Heads, Critical Decisions: Using Quantitative Methods to Model Subsidence,” will provide an overview of DWR’s draft Best Management Practices of the Sustaianable Management of Groundwater, Land Subsidence BMP (released in July), explore historical subsidence across the Central Valley, and examine the concepts of critical head and the role of numerical modeling as an important tool for decision-makers to manage land subsidence. Presenters will be Ben Brezing, DWR supervising water resources engineer, and John Eliis, principal hydrogelogist at INTERA, Inc. Registration is required to attend this event.

Those who missed the recent “Coffee and Conversation” with Paul Gosselin, DWR Deputy Director for Sustainable Water Management, can watch a recording of the discussion online. Hosted by the Sacramento Regional Water Authority, the hour-long conversation explored how implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is evolving — from the initial push to develop groundwater sustainability plans to today’s focus on refinement, communication, and regional collaboration. Paul shared how DWR’s Sustainable Groundwater Management team has grown, what he sees as key priorities in this next phase, and how State and local agencies can work together to advance sustainable groundwater management through innovation, technical support, and adaptive strategies.

Produced by CA FWD in collaboration with the California Stewardship Network, the 2025 California Economic Summit convenes regional leaders from business, community, government, philanthropy, labor, and other areas to help propel a “New California Economy” that is resilient, sustainable, and inclusive. The summit serves as a hub to connect, collaborate, and drive economic advancement strategies focused on growth and stewardship of California’s valuable communities, land, and resources. This year’s annual summit will take place in Stockton, Tuesday–Thursday, Oct. 21–23. Registration is open now. See the California Economic Summit website to view the agenda and learn about this year’s tours and speakers.