The Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority (ESJGWA) is a Joint Powers Authority made up of the 16 Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) within the Eastern San Joaquin Subbasin and is responsible for coordinating implementation of the region’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan. In September 2024, the ESJGWA adopted the Eastern San Joaquin Subbasin Domestic Well Mitigation Program, establishing a coordinated process and an initial $200,000 Dry Well Mitigation Fund to provide emergency, interim, and financial assistance to residents whose domestic water supply wells fail due to groundwater overdraft conditions.

The program addresses qualifying well failures associated with declining groundwater levels, water-quality problems, or land subsidence caused by groundwater overdraft. In August 2026, the ESJGWA amended and restated the original program, including reinstating a six-month claim period for qualifying well failures occurring between January 1, 2015, and August 12, 2026, with those claims required to be submitted by February 12, 2027.

Individuals interested in applying for assistance through the ESJGWA Domestic Well Mitigation Program should complete the Application for Assistance below, providing information about the property, well and pump, the nature and date of the well failure, and any available supporting documentation. Once completed and signed, the application may be submitted by email to esjgroundwater@sjgov.org or by mail to Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority, PO Box 1810, Stockton, CA 95201.

Dry Well Mitigation Program - Application for Assistance