Napa County imposes new groundwater fees on wineries amid sustainability push

Napa County will charge vineyards a per-acre groundwater fee for the 2026-27 fiscal year to fund its sustainability agency, despite opposition from a struggling wine sector.

In an effort to satisfy California’s mandated water-conservation goals, Napa County supervisors have proposed a groundwater assessment for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Growers who rely solely on surface or recycled water would owe $17.53 per acre, while those drawing groundwater for irrigation would face a combined charge of $44.44 per acre. The fees are earmarked for the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency, which oversees the aquifer that runs from Calistoga to south of Napa.

County officials argue that even dry-farmers benefit from the presence of groundwater, justifying the universal levy. Wine industry leaders, represented by Napa Valley Vintners’ Michelle Novi, contend that the added cost comes at a difficult moment for an already pressured sector. The board has reduced its general-fund contribution to the agency from $2 million to $500,000 and will draw on agency reserves to soften the first-year impact.

Rural well owners will be charged $28.17 per parcel, and public water systems will pay $58.47 per acre-foot. The proposed rates are set for board approval on Tuesday and will be reflected on property-tax statements.