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ARTICLE · 29 JANUARY 2026

DWR Releases Subsidence Best Management Practices

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On January 21, 2026, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) published its Best Management Practices of the Sustainable Management of Groundwater – Land Subsidence (Subsidence BMPs).

United StatesEnergy and Natural Resources
Alexander J. Van Roekel
Alexander J. Van Roekel
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On January 21, 2026, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) published its Best Management Practices of the Sustainable Management of Groundwater – Land Subsidence (Subsidence BMPs).

Background

Subsidence is the process of land sinking. In the water context, it is generally caused by removing groundwater quicker than it is replenished, which essentially leads to the ground being compacted due to the loss of support (see section 4.2 of the Subsidence BMPs for more information).

According to the BMPs, subsidence in California is a significant issue largely because it leads to damage to infrastructure and permanent loss of underground water storage. As detailed section 4.5, a 2014 study showed that subsidence in California caused billions of dollars in damages "to water conveyance, flood control, transportation infrastructure and groundwater wells".

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