May 6, 2024
Water Management in Borrego Springs: The Role of the Watermaster
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The Role of the Borrego Watermaster in Groundwater Management
Understanding water management in Borrego Springs includes considering the role of the Borrego Watermaster. Established through a court-supervised adjudication, the Borrego Watermaster oversees the management of groundwater in accordance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and a court-ordered Judgment.
The Borrego Springs Groundwater Subbasin
The Borrego Springs Groundwater Subbasin spans approximately 98 square miles across Borrego Valley and is bordered by bedrock formations, faults, and significant geological features. The subbasin lies within San Diego County's jurisdiction and is surrounded by California State-owned land. It primarily consists of agriculture, residential, and recreational land uses, with water and sewer services provided by the Borrego Water District (BWD).
Who is the Borrego Watermaster?
The Borrego Watermaster is a committee of representatives from the sectors affected by the Judgment, including agriculture, recreation, the Borrego Water District, and the community. The Watermaster's primary role is to implement a groundwater management plan to ensure that groundwater pumping is reduced to sustainable levels by 2040. The Watermaster supervises groundwater levels and quality, enforces water allocations, and collaborates with the BWD on water management.
The Role of the Watermaster
The Watermaster's responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the reduction of groundwater pumping to achieve sustainability.
- Monitoring groundwater levels and water quality to manage the basin effectively.
- Enforcing water rights and allocations as per the court-ordered Judgment.
Challenges and Ongoing Projects
The Watermaster faces challenges due to the historical over-pumping of groundwater, which led to significant drops in groundwater levels. To address this, the Watermaster is involved in several projects, including:
- Expanding the Groundwater Monitoring Program to improve data collection.
- Redetermining the Sustainable Yield to update estimates for water management.
- Restoring Fallowed Lands to ensure unused agricultural land is rehabilitated.
The Technical Advisory Committee
A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) advises the Watermaster on technical matters related to groundwater management. The TAC makes recommendations based on the best available data to ensure sustainable management of the Borrego Springs Groundwater Subbasin. The TAC's duties include analyzing water budgets, identifying undesirable results, and improving water budget assumptions to enable better adaptive management.
Staying Informed
To follow the Watermaster's progress in managing Borrego's water resources, visit their official website here for the latest updates, meeting agendas, and data on water management activities.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
Lucky Tongue at the Dreamweaver Amphitheater at The Springs Lucky Tongue is scheduled to perform live at the Dreamweaver Amphitheater at The Springs in Borrego Springs. Below are the confirmed event details plus a few on-site logistics so people know what to expect when they arrive. Event facts Event: Lucky Tongue (live music) Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026 Time: 5:00–7:00 PM Location: Dreamweaver Amphitheater at The Springs (The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course), Borrego Springs, California Cost: Free show Amphitheater setup Seating is informal: sit on the grass, sit in chairs set-up for the event or bring your own chairs Guests may arrive by golf cart The setting is relaxing and outdoor Food and drinks The Springs Wine & Beer Bar will be open El Dorado Tacos will be selling food
COMING SOON: The Gallery at the Palms
Artists painted live during the Plein Air Quick Draw at Rams Hill in Borrego Springs.
March 7 • 11:00 AM
Auditions Announced for Crazy Quilt Club at Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center is inviting community members to audition for the comedy mystery Crazy Quilt Club, a staged theatrical production planned for March 2027. Auditions will be held March 9 and March 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. The production will be directed by Jennifer Looney and staged at the theater in March 2027 , giving performers ample time to learn lines and develop their roles. This production will be a fully staged play , not readers theatre. Crazy Quilt Club is a fast-paced comedic whodunit set in a retirement home for passionate knitters, where mysterious events seem to follow one particular resident wherever she goes. The production calls for seven women and two men , primarily portraying characters of retirement age. About the Play The story centers on Veronica Blather , a sweet but curious elderly woman who spends much of her time knitting and solving murders—many of which occur whenever she happens to be nearby. After struggling to find a place to live because of her unusual reputation, Veronica accepts an invitation from her brother, Dr. Joe Lydecker , to stay at a retirement home for knitters. The arrangement seems perfect—until a member of the group dies after drinking suspicious punch. Was it an accident, or was the drink poisoned? Suspicion spreads quickly among the residents of the Crazy Quilt Club . Could the culprit be Matilda , the club’s formidable president? Or Clara , known for stretching the truth? Perhaps Sarafina , who trusts no one and carries a rifle to prove it? As clues pile up and bodies appear, Lieutenant Jack McCoy arrives to investigate, though his presence only deepens the confusion. Along the way, a black widow spider, a mysterious cave, a gold nugget, and a late-night phone call add to the chaos. A storm eventually plunges the scene into darkness just as Veronica begins to piece together the truth. The rapid-fire dialogue and eccentric characters keep audiences guessing until the final moments of this lively mystery comedy. Available Roles The production features roles for seven women and two men : Matilda Thibedeaux – President of the Crazy Quilt Club Myrtle Ipswitch – A curious snoop Clara Quinten – A compulsive liar Sarafina Litton – Proudly crabby and suspicious of everyone Viola Underwood – A resident with a telltale allergy Lydia Thornedyke – A character with unusual habits Veronica Blather – Amateur sleuth and knitting enthusiast Dr. Joe Lydecker – Physician for the residents and Veronica’s brother Lt. Jack McCoy – The determined police officer investigating the case Audition Details Dates: March 9 and March 10, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center Actors interested in auditioning can review the full synopsis and role descriptions at BSPAC.org . This upcoming production offers community performers the chance to take part in a full theatrical staging at one of Borrego Springs’ central arts venues, with a full year of preparation before opening in March 2027. Contact Gary at info@bspac.org if you have questions. Learn More About Borrego Springs
Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) Job Opening BVEF is seeking a Part-Time Property Manager & Bookkeeper to support day-to-day operations of The Center commercial property. This role includes basic bookkeeping for The Frugal Coyote and general administrative support for BVEF as needed. For the full position description and application details, email anna@bvefund.org Please share!
Presented by Borrego Springs Community Concert Association
Borrego Springs, CA The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) will host the 2026 Borrego Home & Garden Tour on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to explore four private homes and gardens at their own pace in Borrego Springs. This annual tour is a fundraiser benefiting ABDNHA, the educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports interpretation, education, and stewardship connected to the Anza-Borrego Desert region. Event details Event: 2026 Borrego Home & Garden Tour Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Format: Self-guided tour of four private homes and gardens Tickets $30 General Public $24 ABDNHA Members $20 ABDNHA Volunteers Early purchase discount: Buy by March 8 and save $2 per ticket . How to purchase Tickets are available online at abdnha.org/gardentour and in person at the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center , 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs . Questions: (760) 767-3098 Important guidelines Tickets are non-refundable . For guest safety and property rules, no strollers or dogs are permitted. About ABDNHA The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) is a nonprofit organization that supports education and interpretation in and around Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through programs, exhibits, and community engagement. Media Contact: ABDNHA Desert Nature Center 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA (760) 767-3098 abdnha.org/gardentour
Roadrunner Club Association Benefit The Roadrunner Club Association’s 38th annual Senior Center Benefit golf tournament raised $33,000 for the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center , according to Executive Director Teresa West . West described the turnout as strong early in the day, writing that as the sun came up she was “surprised at how many participants were out playing golf.” She called it “an amazing sight” and said it “touched my heart.” Largest single fundraiser of the year West said the golf tournament is the largest single fundraiser of the year for the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center. She credited golfers, sponsors, and volunteers for making the event possible. “To all the golfers who participated in the tournament I want to say thank you,” West wrote, adding thanks to those who “sponsored a hole, put up signs, handed out food and drinks, took pictures and did all the preparation behind the scenes.” Services supported by the fundraiser West highlighted how the Senior Center supports older adults in the community by providing “nutritious and healthy meals” for homebound seniors, activities at the Seniors Community Center, and a medical loan closet that offers free medical equipment . She also noted the importance of the Borrego Springs Children’s Center , which provides childcare for children from birth to age 5. West said that without the Children’s Center, “many of our local parents would not be able to pursue their chosen career paths,” and children could miss an early start on “social-emotional development.” Message to the community West closed with a message of gratitude from the center’s team: “We can’t say thank you enough,” she wrote. “We truly appreciate each one of you.” Learn More About Borrego Springs
