The Transition Period in Iran, and What Can Be Learned from California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act

Nik Kowsar

Many experts believe that Iran's centralized water resource management system has failed and should move towards decentralized and local methods. Currently, most of Iran's water managers' attention is focused on rivers and surface resources, but given the increasing heat and high water evaporation, the primary focus should be on groundwater, as these hidden and sensitive resources are our last hope in many arid regions. Unfortunately, the government and centralized management of groundwater resources in Iran over the years has caused the water table to drop dramatically, and land subsidence and the destruction of agriculture are sending us serious warnings.

In this context, California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is one of the most important reforms undertaken to address a similar crisis in the United States. This law was enacted when the unsustainable extraction from wells in California threatened the destruction of groundwater resources. This country's experience can also be useful for Iran, as we face problems such as the drying up of groundwater tables, land subsidence, the destruction of agricultural lands, and desertification.

If, during the transition period following a change in the political system, we can enact laws that prevent further damage to aquifers, and if these laws are implemented not only by the government but also with the participation of the people, there is greater hope for saving Iran from the water crisis. Of course, this is not possible without supporting farmers. Farmers who face changes in irrigation patterns or the closure of their wells need financial and technical assistance. Therefore, alongside legal reforms, we must consider real and effective support for farmers to make the implementation of these laws practically possible.

From Centralized to Decentralized Structure

In a decentralized structure, local councils can be formed in each watershed, with members elected from among farmers, groundwater experts, and people's representatives. These councils should enact laws that some government officials may not like, but the primary priority should be the demands and needs of the people. For decisions to benefit the environment and people, it is necessary for environmental impact assessments to be accompanied by public consensus.

However, if we do not have accurate information on the amount of groundwater needed and consumed, the rate of aquifer recharge, and other factors, proper planning will not be possible. Although having numbers alone does not guarantee success, knowing this information can be a good guide for decision-makers and farmers. Part of the councils' laws may include restrictions and prohibitions that are necessary to save water resources. Just like the SGMA in California, the goal should be to save aquifers and prevent the destruction of groundwater resources. If damage to these resources continues, they may be lost forever.

Some principles should be implemented as law for everyone—both independent farmers and large agricultural companies:

• Severe land subsidence is prohibited.

• Permanent drop in well water levels is prohibited.

• Deterioration of water quality is prohibited.

• Intrusion of saltwater into aquifers, especially in areas near the sea, is prohibited.

• Extraction beyond the level that harms the environment is prohibited.
  

For these principles to be properly implemented, we need institutions built with the participation of the people themselves, giving them decision-making and oversight power. Of course, these councils can operate within the framework of local government institutions, but if the people are not present in them, such a structure will have no real meaning. In Iran's transition period, if institutions are formed again without public oversight and participation, the same old problems of corruption and bribery may be repeated, and efforts to save the land will be fruitless.

California's Experience

One of the most important features of the SGMA is that it entrusts the responsibility of groundwater resource management to the people of each region. According to this law, in each area facing groundwater depletion, a local group called the "Groundwater Sustainability Agency" (GSA) must be formed. The members of this group can be farmers, members of local councils, experts, and even people's or indigenous groups. These groups must develop a plan that shows how they intend to control water extraction over the next few years to prevent aquifers from being depleted. This method can be well implemented in Iran as well, because in our country, centralized structures are corrupt, and people do not trust government institutions. If the people of each region, especially farmers and experts, take over the management of water resources themselves, greater trust will be built, and things will go better.

Another important aspect of this law is transparency and free public access to information about water resources. This means that people should know how much the water level in wells has dropped, how much water is being extracted, and what the water quality is. This information should be made available to everyone in a transparent manner. In Iran, unfortunately, information on water resources is either hidden or published incorrectly. If systems are designed so that people can see the water situation for themselves or even report issues, public participation will increase, and decisions will be made better.

Although these institutions are people-based, it is sometimes necessary for the government to be involved alongside them. For example, if a local group cannot properly implement its plan or problems arise, the government must step in and help to ensure that the right course is followed. However, the government's role should not be dictatorial, but rather that of a guide and supporter to help these councils achieve their goals and conserve water resources.

Opposition and Resistance

Some may think that the implementation of a large-scale water management plan will be welcomed by everyone, and the people will all cooperate with it. But the experience in California shows otherwise. There, some large farmers opposed the implementation of the law because they did not want to be restricted. Also, there was not enough money to properly implement the plans, and in some cases, weaker and marginalized groups were not involved in decision-making at all.

If we want to implement a plan similar to California's in Iran's future, we must definitely consider social justice. This means ensuring that all people, including small farmers, villagers, and women, have a stake in this program and that no one is excluded. We must not allow powerful groups with influence, such as those who previously held power in government or military systems, to take control of these institutions. For these programs to succeed, we must also create a financial fund. This fund can help implement projects during the transition period, for example, to buy out wells that need to be closed, or to support farmers who may experience a decrease in income during this period. Without this support, the plan will face problems, and people will lose trust.

And let's not forget that a good groundwater sustainability program must, both during and after the transition period:

• Accurately describe the actual conditions.

• Have reliable and transparent data.

• Define clear and measurable goals.

• Provide tools for implementing policies and addressing violations.

• Take the role of the people and farmers in decision-making seriously.
  

What Can Be Learned from Various Sources About California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act

Although this law has many details, the key components of the law can be introduced as follows:

1. Formation of Local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs): Formation of independent agencies in each groundwater basin facing resource depletion. These agencies must be formed with the participation of government organizations, farmers, city councils, and other stakeholders.

2. Preparation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs): Each local agency is required to develop a 20-year plan to bring its managed basin to a sustainable state.

3. Monitoring and Reporting from Citizens: Data must be collected, analyzed, and made available to the public in a transparent manner. Monitoring of well levels, extraction rates, and water quality is mandatory.

4. Role of the State: If local agencies fail to develop or implement the plan successfully, Sacramento (the state government) can intervene and implement an alternative plan.

5. Timeline:

   - By 2020: Local agencies must be formed.

   - By 2022: Sustainability plans in critical basins must be developed and submitted.

   - By 2040: Full sustainability in groundwater extraction and management must be achieved.
   

Sustainability here means addressing the following factors:

• Permanent decline in groundwater levels

• Severe reduction in water storage capacity

• Saltwater intrusion (in coastal areas)

• Deterioration of water quality

• Land subsidence

• Damage to groundwater-dependent ecosystems (such as wetlands)