Panel weighs in on California’s evolving water policies and the latest regulations impacting the Valley
From the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley
California’s water policies are evolving—fast. From sweeping statewide laws like SGMA to new federal orders prioritizing California water, the pressure is on for growers to adapt, and quickly.
At a recent roundtable hosted by The Ag Center, two Water Blueprint leaders, Austin Ewell and Geoff Vanden Heuvel, shared key perspectives navigating the changing landscape. One panelist described it plainly: “You go through the stages of grief… you can’t sustain what you thought you could. So you adapt.”
SGMA continues to drive change, requiring major cutbacks in groundwater pumping, which has hit some crops harder than others. Tree nut growers face long-term water commitments, while dairies—though also at risk—may have more flexibility. Vanden Heuvel, the Water Blueprint Board Vice Chair, noted, “You take the trees out, you can grow a winter forage crop. And you know who can eat that? Dairy cows.”
But technical fixes won’t be enough. Ewell, the Executive Director of Water Blueprint, pointed to the moment’s urgency: “The president and the governor have given us tools… it’s imperative on us to use them.”
That includes implementing infrastructure projects, aligning local water plans with regional goals, and finally coordinating between sectors. Blueprint leaders are providing critical leadership through a “coalition of the willing,” Vanden Heuvel said.
The will to collaborate is there. San Joaquin Valley counties, water districts and growers are beginning to realize: this is about the future of entire communities.
The water policy challenges are always changing. Now comes the hard part—figuring out how to adapt together as an entire region.
