Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Golden mussels continue spreading through Cross Valley Canal pools 1–8, prompting approval of a $500,000 budget amendment for a vulnerability assessment and treatment plan; pools are currently dewatered with zero inflows or deliveries ongoing. A feasibility study for Kern Fan Alternative No. 5 is progressing, with a draft report expected in early May and a follow-up workshop planned for mid-to-late May.
True-Up invoices issued March 23 are due May 7, including any modification requests or appeals; accounts with pending modifications will receive a reissued invoice with a new payment window. The 2026 self-reporting period for fallowing and cover cropping is expected to open late April/early May, with staff proposing an extended July 31 deadline for this year only, though crops must still be removed by June 30 to qualify.
Staff recommended a FY 2026-27 ag groundwater rate of $46.50/AF, supported by an ~$16M open space credit covering 90%+ of full cost. South County Zone W5/W7/W8 charges are proposed to rise 6.6%–9.4%, driven by capital projects including the Anderson Dam seismic retrofit. No vote was taken; the public hearing was continued to April 28, 2026.
Directors requested more conservative well assumptions ahead of the May 27 hearing. Non-revenue water at 9% was flagged as a concern, with staff offering to share M36 audit details. The Board adopted Resolution 2026-05 updating Regulations 8 and 12, removing “where available” from recycled-water language, requiring board approval for waivers, and adding enforcement flexibility. CDM Smith’s draft 2025 UWMP shows reduced buildout demand and surplus under drought scenarios;
The groundwater report showed 2025 pumping exceeded sustainable yield, with storage down ~1,100 acre-feet and levels over 50 feet below sea level. Early signs of seawater intrusion were noted, with planned downhole sampling and efforts to secure coastal monitoring wells. The well metering policy kept the March 31 registration deadline, with penalties waived through August 31; meters must be installed by July 31 so AMI setup is complete before metered billing begins September 1.
