But it will be up to local governments to implement the measures—with a threat of state intervention if they fall short.

  ut as the regulatory roll-out gets started, there is a big question looming over the whole long-range process, points out David Keller of Friends of the Eel River:  how much more water will be allocated to additional users, such as wineries and residential developments, in the meantime.

  As drafted and approved by the California legislature last year, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act directs local agencies to take the lead in implementing the new protections. But they also held back the right to step in and take over, if the locals fail to act effectively, notes Jay Jasperse of the Sonoma County Water Agency.

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