NEWMAN — The Newman City Council is expected to take action Tuesday on two regional water management items aimed at strengthening groundwater oversight and protecting domestic well owners. The Gustine City Council approved both measures at its Oct. 7 meeting by a 4-0 vote, with Council member Sherri Marsigli absent.

Newman council members will consider adopting the Delta-Mendota Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Agreement, which would authorize the city manager to sign on behalf of the city. The agreement establishes an independent public entity composed of participating Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to coordinate subbasin-wide groundwater sustainability efforts.

The move comes as the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority prepares to transition away from providing fiscal and administrative services for the subbasin by March 2026. The JPA is designed to ensure continuity of services required under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), including implementation of monitoring programs and pursuit of state and federal funding.

City staff in both Newman and Gustine said the agreement safeguards each city’s financial and regulatory interests, with costs shared equitably among member agencies and no transfer of debt or obligations. Participation also enhances the cities’ ability to secure external funding for groundwater sustainability projects.

Also on Newman’s agenda is a resolution to adopt the Delta-Mendota Subbasin Domestic Well Mitigation Policy. Gustine adopted the policy earlier this month.

The policy outlines emergency and long-term assistance for domestic well owners whose wells run dry or experience water quality degradation due to GSA actions. Developed through public outreach and based on recommendations from the California Department of Water Resources and Self-Help Enterprises, the policy includes provisions for bottled water, temporary tanks, well deepening, and water quality mitigation for contaminants such as nitrate and arsenic.

It also establishes a $300,000 mitigation fund, financed equally by participating GSAs over three years. City staff said the policy aligns with the subbasin’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan and supports SGMA compliance without immediate impact to either city’s general fund.

Tuesday’s Newman City Council meeting will be held at City Hall. Adoption of both items is recommended by city staff.