Priorities

Water for the Future: Securing Yolo County’s Water Supply

Water is vital to Yolo County. It sustains our agriculture, provides for our homes, and is essential for growth. As we face challenges with water supply and sustainability, we must manage this resource responsibly to ensure it continues to be available for farmers, residents, and our ecosystem.

A Resource Under Pressure

On average, approximately 50% of irrigation water and 90% of municipal water come from groundwater sources.  While Yolo County’s water supply has been reliable thanks to the resilience of the Yolo Subbasin, groundwater levels are declining, signaling that we’re using more than can be replenished. Over-pumping and land subsidence are putting our water resources at risk. We need action to balance our water use and protect this vital resource for the future. Without action, the long-term viability of both agricultural and municipal water supplies is at risk.

Conservation Is Key

Farmers use half of Yolo County’s water, which is essential for our agricultural economy. With growing cities and environmental needs, water use must be balanced. Conservation is a shared responsibility. Farmers are already using innovative irrigation technologies, and cities can adopt drought-tolerant landscaping and water-saving practices. Together, we can ensure every drop is used wisely and efficiently.

Sustainable Solutions for the Future

Our choices today will shape our water future. Boosting groundwater recharge, managing surface water better, and investing in new storage options are all part of the solution. Groundwater allocations—setting limits on how much can be pumped—are one way to keep things in check. These limits can shift year to year based on conditions, giving us the flexibility we need while keeping our aquifers healthy.

But here’s the bottom line: if we don’t start managing water smarter now, we’ll be forced to make harder choices later. Proactive planning is critical to avoid future cutbacks and to keep water flowing where it’s needed most.