August 13, 2025

Borrego Springs Water Shed Informational Video

Borrego Springs Groundwater Overview

This video, produced with support from Proposition 68, explains the history and current condition of Borrego Springs’ groundwater supply. It outlines where the water comes from, why it is considered a limited resource, and measures being taken to manage usage. Topics include the role of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, water conservation strategies, and ongoing sustainability planning for the community’s aquifer.

Anza-Borrego Foundation

Full Video Transcript

Welcome to Borrego Springs, a quiet small town with an active population, but is also the gateway community to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park. This unique community, a mix of full-time residents, part-time residents, and tourists, depends entirely on groundwater. The aquifer that sustains Borrego Springs is fed by streams from the state park, with 70% of the stored water in our basin coming from protected park lands. The water in this aquifer is thousands of years old and replenishes very slowly. It is a fragile resource, and all residential, recreational, and agricultural activities in Borrego Valley rely on it. Protecting our water is crucial for our future. In 2014, California passed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which has provided essential insights into our water usage.

We've learned that we're using more water than can naturally be replenished, putting the future of Borrego Springs at risk. Golf courses and agriculture are leading efforts to reduce water usage with farms fallowing fields and golf courses replacing traditional turf with more drought-tolerant and native plants. These changes are essential to reach sustainability in our aquifer by 2040. Now, more than ever, we understand that we can't just take as much water as we want. Water is precious, and each of us must do our part to conserve it. Being mindful of how we use water, whether at home, in business, or in recreation, will help secure the future of our community. Sustainable groundwater management plan actions create low-water gardens and landscapes, support economic development not dependent on high water use, such as ecotourism and outdoor recreation. Be mindful of what you put in the ground.

Everything affects our water supply. Support efforts like fallowing farmland and water-efficient landscaping at golf courses. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park plays a critical role in protecting 70% of our watershed, safeguarding the water source for Borrego Springs. Without these protected lands, our community could not exist or thrive. Together, we can build a sustainable future where Borrego Springs continues to thrive alongside its beautiful natural surroundings. Water conservation is key to that future. Let's work together to ensure the longevity of our community, our ecosystem, and our way of life. This video is made possible by Prop 68, supporting the implementation of groundwater sustainability for a secure future.