Groundwater Resources Advisory Committee

Under direction by the Board of Supervisors and in fulfillment of Napa County’s General Plan, the Groundwater Resources Advisory Committee (GRAC) held 16 public meetings from October 11, 2011 through February 27, 2014. The work of the GRAC is the foundation upon which Napa County established its Groundwater Sustainability Program. The actions and recommendations of the GRAC set a path toward insuring the sustainability of Napa County’s groundwater resources for generations to come. Key to the GRAC’s work was creation of Napa County’s Groundwater Monitoring Program, establishment of Groundwater Sustainability Objectives, assembling community support for scientific research through education and outreach and fostering shared community responsibility as a means of achieving long-term groundwater sustainability for Napa County. GRAC meeting agendas, minutes and related materials can be found below.

Agendas & Documents

Agendas and Minutes (click on years in upper right to see all)

Related Agenda Materials & Reports

Additional Background

On June 28, 2011 the Board of Supervisors approved creation of a Groundwater Resources Advisory Committee (GRAC). The GRAC will assist County staff and technical consultants with recommendations regarding groundwater, including data collection, monitoring, well pump test protocols, management objectives, and community support. A 15 member committee was appointed on September 20, 2011.

February 14, 2011, Groundwater Workshop

The Napa County Board of Supervisors held a Groundwater Workshop on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011. The workshop provided the Board with an update on groundwater resources throughout the county: what we know, what we don’t know, and how groundwater and County functions related to water resources are currently administered.

Workshop Objective

To bring everyone to the same level of understanding about groundwater in preparation to address the Board's strategic objective: "Presentation and action on a work plan for the development of a comprehensive county-wide policy and program for potable and recycled water."

Workshop Elements

  • Staff presentation on surface water supplies, General Plan implementation actions about water, and an overview of a stakeholder assessment study
  • Consultant presentation on county groundwater resources, review of County monitoring and data management systems, update on State regulatory requirements, and recommendations
  • Guest speaker, Paul Kelly, providing a perspective on Sonoma County's recent groundwater experience
  • Staff summary of County roles and responsibilities in water, and
  • Discussion with the Board on immediate next steps