1
The
Situation

Groundwater is a vital, but threatened, component of California’s
water supply. On average, groundwater basins provide
approximately 40% of the water used by California’s farms and
communities, and significantly more in dry years. Many
communities rely entirely on groundwater for drinking water, and
it is a critical resource for many Central Valley and coastal
farmers.

In some basins, groundwater pumping has exceeded
replenishment for decades, causing groundwater depletion or
“overdraft.” Many basins also face challenges with salt or
contaminants in groundwater.

Groundwater use was largely unregulated by the state until the
passage of the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
(SGMA). This law requires local agencies to address the
undesirable impacts of overpumping and to bring their basins into
balance by ending long-term overdraft.

2
Meet the SGMA

Prior to SGMA, some areas—including many cities in Southern California and Silicon Valley—had created local authorities to regulate pumping and charge fees to fund groundwater replenishment programs.

SGMA now requires local agencies in other parts of the state to manage their basins sustainably. While SGMA gives agencies until the early 2040s to achieve this goal, they must prevent significant undesirable results of pumping along the way.

The biggest challenges lie in “critically overdrafted” basins, which have the largest imbalances. This includes much of the southern Central Valley—California’s largest farming region—where overdr

3
Beyond the Situation

Capay is more than a Situation series; it’s a transmedia transformative projects, and a dedicated section for exploring the initiatives featured in each episode. Capay invites you not only to watch but to participate in the movements shaping our future.

The Podcast

The Podcast is the space where we are going to talk about everything that the media tends to forget when it comes to the climate crisis, but which is key if we really want to change the rules of the game.... because yes!...we can change the rules: dampen climate change, protect biodiversity or end extreme inequality. We will even touch on topics such as “time poverty”, the 15-hour work week or how to rethink the economy based on the citizen happiness index.

We will have a wide range of guests to offer you fresh perspectives, surprising ideas and conversations that will make you rethink many things.

Coming soon

Crowdfunding

This transmedia project is not just another Situation: it is a piece within a global movement that seeks to change current dynamics and ensure a livable planet for present and future generations. Changing the world is not something that can be done alone; it requires a collective effort. Collaboration is essential for any real transformation, and diversity of voices and perspectives is key to finding innovative solutions.

We want this project to reflect that spirit of co-creation. We believe that you also have ideas, projects and reflections that can enrich the world of Capay. This crowdfunding is a space to create together.

Every euro we raise will be carefully allocated to different areas of the project to ensure the highest quality production and maximize its impact.

View more

Let’s imagine new futures and the strength to bring them to life

texture
W
e
’
d
l
o
v
e
t
o
h
e
a
r
f
r
o
m
y
o
u
.
W
h
e
t
h
e
r
y
o
u
’
r
e
i
n
t
e
r
e
s
t
e
d
i
n
l
e
a
r
n
i
n
g
m
o
r
e
a
b
o
u
t
C
a
p
a
y
,
c
o
l
l
a
b
o
r
a
t
i
n
g
o
n
a
n
i
n
i
t
i
a
t
i
v
e
,
o
r
s
h
a
r
i
n
g
y
o
u
r
i
n
s
i
g
h
t
s
,
r
e
a
c
h
o
u
t
!
T
o
g
e
t
h
e
r
,
w
e
c
a
n
a
m
p
l
i
f
y
t
h
e
i
m
p
a
c
t
a
n
d
b
r
i
n
g
t
h
e
s
e
h
i
d
d
e
n
f
o
r
c
e
s
o
f
c
h
a
n
g
e
t
o
t
h
e
s
u
r
f
a
c
e
.
Contact us
With the support of
Creative Europe Media
Happy mothers day mom.©All rights reserved 2025
Designed byMatthew Herren
We use cookies to analyze site usage and marketing efforts.
We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize the content of the website and improve the user experience. By clicking on "Accept All", you consent to this use, as detailed in our Privacy Policy.
Drinking ourselves out of house and home.
Drinking ourselves out of house and home.
texture
AboutAboutAbout
01.
California is facing a severe groundwater crisis characterized by depletion of aquifers due to overuse, particularly in agriculture, leading to land subsidence and water scarcity.
texture
02.
Groundwater levels in many California basins, especially in the Central Valley, have been declining for decades, with rates of depletion accelerating in recent years. As groundwater is pumped, the land surface sinks due to the compaction of underlying soil, causing damage to infrastructure and altering the landscape. Thousands of wells have gone dry as groundwater levels decline, impacting communities and farmers.
texture
03.
It's an invitation to reimagine the future and reconnect with our ability to transform it.
The Facts
Around the world, thousands of initiatives are quietly revolutionizing our predatory system, though— like an iceberg—they often remain hidden beneath the surface.
Echoes of Change.
Echoes of Change.
texture
As part of the Capay transmedia Situation, our podcast series delves into the stories of those looking for solutions to a sustainable future with unique and surprising perspectives. Each episode features conversations with visionaries, activists and innovators that challenge the status quo and make you rethink the way we live.
Podcast
texture
The
Podcast
Coming soon
Dive into the minds of visionaries leading groundbreaking initiatives. Hear their stories and learn how they’re creating real change across the world.
The
Crowdfunding
View more
Help us give a voice to the solutions transforming the world: support our podcast and be part of the change.
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in learning more about Capay, collaborating on an initiative, or sharing your insights, reach out! Together, we can amplify the impact and bring these hidden forces of change to the surface.
Contact us
With the support of
Creative Europe Media
Happy mothers day mom.©All rights reserved 2025
Designed byMatthew Herren
English  /  Español
The Facts
All initiatives
We use cookies to analyze site usage and marketing efforts.
We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize the content of the website and improve the user experience. By clicking on "Accept All", you consent to this use, as detailed in our Privacy Policy.