Groundwater is the lifeblood of Paso Robles wine country, sustaining vineyards, ranches, and rural communities alike. With the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin classified by the state as “critically overdrafted,” how this shared resource is managed has direct implications for our region’s future.

A Recent Vote on Groundwater Fees

In August 2025, local landowners rejected a proposed property-based fee that would have funded the Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority (PRAGA). The fee was designed to cover monitoring, reporting, and compliance requirements under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

The proposal failed after a majority of landowners submitted formal protests under Proposition 218. While this paused one approach to funding, PRAGA, as currently structured, is considering other approaches. In the meantime, the four Groundwater Sustainability Agencies that formed PRAGA (City of Paso Robles, County of San Luis Obispo, Shandon-San Juan Water District and Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District) are funding the agency to the end of 2025. Members of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance likely have properties in one or more of these districts.

Why It Matters for Paso Wine Country

The outcome doesn’t remove the need for basin management as required by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. For vineyard and winery owners, this means water management remains a moving target. Costs, reporting requirements, or conservation measures could shift depending on the path PRAGA pursues.

Staying Proactive as Landowners

Members who rely on the basin for vineyard or agricultural operations can take steps now to stay ahead:

• Confirm whether your property lies within the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin.
• Keep well logs, pump tests, and irrigation records organized and up to date.
• Track PRAGA communications and attend public meetings when possible.
• Consider conservation and efficiency upgrades that may benefit operations now and improve positioning for future regulations.
• Stay connected with advisors or consultants who can help interpret evolving requirements.
• Watch for PRWCA communications on the topic or reach out to our Government Affairs Coordinator, Patrica Wilmore, who has been closely monitoring and engaging in the issue. pwilmore@pasowine.com

Being proactive not only protects individual operations but also demonstrates the region’s collective commitment to sustainable resource management—critical for the long-term health of Paso Robles Wine Country.

The Takeaway

The recent vote was just one chapter in a much larger groundwater story. Paso Robles’ future as a thriving wine region depends on balancing water use with sustainability requirements. By staying informed and engaged, PRWCA members can help ensure this resource supports our community for generations to come.