What is the Alternative Plan and how does it relate to a GSP?

An Alternative Plan is a type of groundwater sustainability plan allowed under SGMA. It serves the same purpose as a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), to ensure long-term sustainable groundwater use, but it’s based on prior planning efforts that meet SGMA’s requirements. 

The Indio Subbasin submitted an Alternative Plan using existing groundwater management plans and data. This approach was approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) in 2019 and updated in 2022. The Alternative Plant must still meet the same standards and reporting requirements as a GSP, including annual reporting and periodic updates.