Borrego Springs Watermaster • November 4, 2026
Borrego Springs Groundwater Use Falls 45% Below Allowed Limit
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Borrego Springs is making major progress in groundwater conservation.
See the latest numbers and what they mean for the valley’s future.
For decades, Borrego Springs used more groundwater than the Borrego Springs Subbasin could naturally replace. Five years into a 20-year effort to bring groundwater use into balance, the results are encouraging. Pumping is now well below the amount allowed under the court-approved plan.
THE RESULTS ARE BETTER THAN THE PLAN REQUIRED
18,270 acre-feet of groundwater could have been pumped in 2025. Actual pumping was 10,129 acre-feet. That is roughly 8,141 acre-feet, or 45% below the allowable amount.
That difference shows just how far Borrego Springs has moved ahead of the pumping schedule. Groundwater users are not simply meeting the scheduled reductions; collectively, they are using substantially less water than the current limit allows.
ALREADY APPROACHING SUSTAINABLE USE
Current pumping is also moving closer to the Basin's sustainable-use target of 7,952 acre-feet per year by 2040. After the first five years of the program, Borrego Springs is ahead of schedule, a promising sign for the long-term health of the Basin. Continued lower groundwater use will help preserve that progress and build greater resilience for the future.
STAY INFORMED ABOUT BORREGO SPRINGS' GROUNDWATER FUTURE
Groundwater is vital to everyone who lives, works, or spends time in Borrego Springs. The Borrego Springs Watermaster is the court-appointed body responsible for carrying out and enforcing the groundwater management plan.
Visit borregospringswatermaster.com for pumping data, reports, maps, and information about efforts to protect the Basin for the future.
Source: Borrego Springs Watermaster
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