NHI represents California Trout in a case to restore and maintain this natural lake in western San Francisco. By the late 1990s, pumping from the adjacent aquifer, as well urban stormwater management, had caused the lake level to drop to a level which interfered with boating, trout angling, and other recreational enjoyment of this unique park. NHI brought a case to seek coordinated regulation of groundwater pumping, as well as other remedies, as necessary to restore these beneficial uses. In response, the City, other pumpers and CalTrout are developing a coordinated plan of management which will raise the lake to a sustainable level, assure the stability of the aquifer, and also increase the regional water supply. This case is one of the first to apply the public trust doctrine to limit groundwater pumping and require use of recycled water for the benefit of navigation and related uses.
Contact: Richard Roos-Collins
