Napa Valley nightmare as experts warn wineries could run dry: ‘Unsustainable’
Napa Valley is facing a significant water crisis, with experts warning that current groundwater usage is unsustainable. In 2025, the region pumped more groundwater than the county's recommended limit, exacerbated by below-average rainfall. The Napa County Board of Supervisors is exploring measures to encourage water conservation among vineyard owners.
- ▪Napa Valley pumped about 16,580 acre-feet of groundwater in 2025, exceeding the sustainable limit by over 1,500 acre-feet.
- ▪The region has consistently used more groundwater than the recommended 15,000 acre-feet over the past seven years.
- ▪The Napa County Board of Supervisors plans to introduce incentives for groundwater users to preserve water resources.
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Metro Napa Valley nightmare as experts warn wineries could run dry: ‘Unsustainable’ By Benjamin Brown Published May 25, 2026, 7:49 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Napa Valley, home to some of the most prestigious wineries in the world, is facing a water crisis that experts warn is unsustainable. The region pumped about 16,580 acre-feet of groundwater in 2025 — more than 1,500 acre-feet than what the county deems sustainable for the area, according to The Press Democrat, citing a county water report. During that same year, the Napa Valley subbasin received a “below average” amount of rainfall, representing about 21.59 inches. 5 Napa Valley County is facing an unstainable water crisis according to a new county water report.
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