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California Passes New Groundwater Controls

In a major change to the state's water laws, California lawmakers have approved a package of three water bills that grant local agencies authority to regulate groundwater pumping.

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Credit: Illustration by Justin Brockie / Todd Wiseman

After considerable debate, California lawmakers have approved a package of three water bills that grant local agencies authority to regulate groundwater pumping, a move that marks a major change to the state's water laws that were regarded as outdated by many. The state will now have oversight of underground aquifers as groundwater levels continue to fall during a prolonged drought. (Water Online)

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