Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Agencies reported 500+ recharge projects in GSPs could yield 1.5 million AF/year. The State Water Board said expired executive orders ended CEQA suspension for temporary permits and that Water Code 1242.1 flood diversions may be difficult for many this winter without a qualifying local plan. Tulare and Madera described recharge-credit and allocation approaches that drove strong grower participation in 2023.
Staff and GSI reviewed draft Chapters 2–4 of the GSP 5-Year Periodic Evaluation (water years 2019–2025), noting brief minimum-threshold exceedances in some representative wells during critical/below-normal years that later recovered. Five DWR recommended corrective actions were discussed, with updates anticipated ahead of the 10-year review. Board discussion noted pumping management as a key lever for groundwater storage recovery.
The board adopted a sole source resolution to proceed with Ornado on the Teichert Pump intake pipe repair on a time-and-materials basis ($94,300 proposal), with one member recused. Staff said a Cosumnes Subbasin GSP amendment draft is expected in October, with GSA approvals aimed for December ahead of a January deadline. The LAFCO MSR for a potential SOI expansion is open for comment through Oct. 2.
Directors reviewed Ends Policies and flagged gaps around priority, affordability, and beneficiary language. The facilitator plans one-on-one director interviews ahead of the Oct. 23 work plan session, where the board is expected to work on aligning Ends Policies with the 2026-27 work plan. Directors also discussed possible committee mergers and new focus areas (conservation, climate events, regulatory matters). No votes were taken.
The Agricultural Commissioner outlined how the County responds to abandoned or neglected vineyards, including an AB 732 penalty option. Supervisors discussed red blotch concerns and possible hardship-focused support. The Board held its TRUTH Act forum reviewing 2025 data and noting 2026 year-to-date trends, along with policy updates, then continued the forum to Sept. 29 at 6:00 PM.
