Who we are
About the GSA
The Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency manages groundwater for ~152 square miles in Kings County, California.
What we do
The Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) was formed under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) to develop and implement a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for its portion of the Tulare Lake Subbasin.
Our mission is straightforward:::: manage groundwater responsibly so that local farms, businesses, and communities have reliable access to clean water — now and for future generations.
Our area
The GSA covers approximately 152 square miles (~97,300 acres) in Kings County, serving a population of roughly 60,000 people. The area is predominantly agricultural, with almonds, pistachios, tomatoes, and other crops as primary commodities.
How the GSA is organized
The GSA was originally established in November 2016 through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) among three member agencies. In July 2024, the Kings County Water District terminated its membership; the JPA was amended and restated to continue the GSA with two member agencies — the City of Hanford and the County of Kings — with a corresponding change to the makeup of the Board of Directors. See the sidebar for links to each member agency.
Governing documents
The Joint Powers Agreement, formation records, and other foundational documents are listed below.
Joint Powers Agreement (Signed July 29, 2024)
July 2024 · Most recent JPA executed by the three member agencies — Kings County Water District, City of Hanford, and County of Kings.
Joint Powers Agreement (Amended)
Amended JPA superseded by the 2024 signed version.
Joint Powers Agreement (Original)
Original JPA establishing the Mid-Kings River GSA.
Notice of Intent to Form GSA
Notice filed with the Department of Water Resources to form the Mid-Kings River GSA under SGMA.
GSA Boundary Map
Official map of the Mid-Kings River GSA boundary inside the Tulare Lake Subbasin.