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A major farming area in California is on probation over sustainability concerns as groundwater levels have rapidly declined, according to state officials.

In a meeting in Sacramento earlier this week, the California State Water Resources Control Board voted unanimously to put a probationary status on the Tulare Lake Basin in the San Joaquin Valley.

“Groundwater supplies in the Tulare Lake basin are clearly at risk, and we are acting today to protect this resource because communities rely on it for basic needs, in particular drinking water,” said Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the State Water Board. “Our goal remains that these basins be managed sustainably at the local level, and we are committed to helping groundwater agencies make that happen by providing data, guidance and support as they improve their plans.”

CORCORAN, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 14: Floodwaters cover a street in the reemerging Tulare Lake, in California’s Central Valley, on April 14, 2023 in Corcoran, California. Tulare Lake, once the largest body of freshwater west of the Mississippi River, disappeared when waters were diverted by agricultural interests to irrigate crops in the late 19th and early 20th century. Recent atmospheric river storm events caused significant flooding in the lakebed area with thousands of acres of farmland flooded. The impending Sierra Nevada mountains snowmelt, with snowpack levels around historic highs, could expand the lake size to 200 square miles, threatening farming communities and billions in losses. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

In a news release, the board said the probation was put in place to protect the long-term vitality of water supplies and infrastructure for communities in King and Tulare counties.

It’s the first time a groundwater basin has been placed on probation in California. The board says that crews will collect groundwater extraction information and work with other agencies to improve sustainability.

The Central California basin, which made headlines last year for returning from extinction, has since returned to low levels due to over-pumping and a lack of measures to mitigate that, board officials said. They projected that 698 wells could run the risk of running dry during a drought as a result.

The chronic over-pumping has also left the land susceptible to collapse, officials said.

If changes aren’t made in the next year, the board could move to the second phase of the state intervention process, which could levee fines and pumping restrictions against local agencies.