How to Manage Allocations, Credits, and Transfers in SGMA Programs

SGMA water accounting is a ledger problem. Allocations set the budget. Usage draws it down. Credits and transfers move value between parcels or water years.

Allocations

• Define rules by water year, basin plan, and parcel category
• Publish allocations growers can see before the season starts
• Track amendments when board actions change budgets mid-year

Credits

• Document how unused water carries forward
• Apply policy caps and expiration rules consistently
• Show credit balances on grower statements

Transfers

• Capture seller, buyer, volume, and approval status
• Prevent transfers that would over-allocate either parcel
• Retain an audit trail for board review and disputes

Software support

Manual tracking breaks when multiple transfers occur in one season. The GSA Water Dashboard links APN management, water credit management, and APN water transfers in one system.