Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
GSAs to submit well registration data by Nov 30, 2026; EKI will send a template in July. WY 2026 pumping totals also due Nov 30; PRP metering policy deadline was Jan 2026. EKI highlighted nitrate/TDS watchlist wells (in DM-II and Northwestern DM GSAs) to monitor closely for August sampling and recommended verification samples if results exceed thresholds.
Subsidence is accelerating across management zones, with one monitored lower-aquifer site about 70 feet below its minimum threshold (MT) as the primary driver. Staff estimated pumping reductions of 0.6–0.9 acre-feet per acre in SMZ 35 could help recover levels, with flood irrigators facing the largest impact. Staff said they will develop possible pumping-cap and allocation change options for next year and return with options in July–August.
Consultants reported the basin is being overdrafted at roughly 1 acre-foot per acre annually, and staff said 2027 pumping allocations will likely change, with specific options to be presented within 30–60 days. Over half of the subsidence management zones have exceeded 50% of their minimum threshold triggers, with conditions accelerating into irrigation season. Staff also reported that the State Water Board is considering a new exclusion application fee ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
Basin remains about 90% full at roughly 72,000 acre-feet, with the key well at 78.46 ft as of the day before the meeting; no valley-floor precipitation in the past month. Dudek reported water quality generally stable across seven constituents (2021–2025). GM Aranda said staff is issuing notices to delinquent reporters; three received notices for possible July hearings.
Groundwater levels are declining across all six monitoring locations, with the largest drop of 96 feet at the Kern Water Bank, though all remain above 2022 lows. The golden mussel threat continues, prompting a public awareness campaign and treatment studies by DUDEK for affected canals. A revised ID4 financial plan was adopted, creating a dedicated capital improvement fund expected to generate ~$4M next year for aging infrastructure upgrades.
