Parties agree to work cooperatively to improve the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Basin
The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) and Searles Valley Minerals have entered into a comprehensive Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement that fully resolves legal challenges concerning the Groundwater Sustainability Plan.
The agreement states that both IWVGA and Searles have permanently dropped (“dismissed with prejudice”) all lawsuits filed against each other. The agreement is intended to support cooperative planning, management and implementation of projects that enhance the long-term groundwater sustainability in the Indian Wells Valley basin.
The agreement creates immediate environmental benefits by incorporating reclaimed water into Searles’ operations, taking pressure off the overdrafted basin. By moving to reclaimed water for its industrial operations, Searles can stop pumping roughly 2,000 acre-feet per year of drinking-quality groundwater from the basin.
Under the agreement, the IWVGA will relinquish its option on approximately 2,000 acre-feet per year of reclaimed water from the City of Ridgecrest so that this supply can be made available to Searles Valley Minerals on mutually agreeable terms. Searles intends, where feasible, to prioritize using this reclaimed water before exporting additional groundwater from the basin, helping reduce pressure on local groundwater resources.
“We are very pleased to work in partnership with Searles Valley Minerals to achieve a sustainable water future not just for Searles, but for all the residents of the valley and Trona,” said Scott Hayman, chair of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority.
The agreement confirms that Searles will be eligible to receive imported water in the future through the Authority’s planned pipeline and, recognizing the regional benefits of bringing new non-native water into the basin, Searles agrees not to oppose implementation of the pipeline project.
“It has always been our goal to shift from conflict to collaboration. Last year we reached agreement with Mojave Pistachios, concluding our disputes with the farming community,” said Keith Lemieux, general counsel for IWVGA. “With the Searles’ dismissals, the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority has now resolved its differences with every private-party pumper in the basin. Ironically, the only remaining lawsuit is the Indian Wells Valley Water District’s action against other pumpers. We hope today’s resolution renders that lawsuit moot so all parties can collaborate to solve our water problems.”
By establishing a framework for cooperation with the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, this agreement advances responsible groundwater management in the basin. Both parties view this outcome as a mutual benefit that supports local jobs, regional economic stability, and a more secure water future for the Indian Wells Valley.
About the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority
The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) is the groundwater sustainability agency for the critically overdrafted Indian Wells Valley groundwater basin. The basin spans portions of Kern, Inyo, and San Bernardino Counties. It is home to the City of Ridgecrest and the U.S. Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a critical low-flight, weapons development, and testing facility. The groundwater basin serves approximately 38,000 residents.
IWVGA is a joint powers authority that includes representatives from Kern County, the City of Ridgecrest, Inyo County, San Bernardino County, and the Indian Wells Valley Water District. Two federal agencies, the United States Navy and the Bureau of Land Management, are also represented as ex-officio members of the IWVGA Board.
