Napa Valley’s already-struggling wine industry is being slapped with a new groundwater bill as county officials scramble to meet California’s state-mandated sustainability goals.
Even grape growers who don’t pump groundwater will have to cough up $17.53 for every planted acre under proposed fees for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the Napa Valley Register reported.
Those who actually use groundwater for irrigation face another $26.91 per acre, taking their total hit to $44.44.
County officials argue that even growers who dry-farm or use surface or recycled water benefit from having groundwater available, according to the outlet.
The new charges will…
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