Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The Advisory Committee heard a proposed well-field and injection alternative to address seawater intrusion, with groundwater impacts, water rights, costs and project water volumes needing further study. A countywide water-planning forum was also outlined. Neither proposal was approved; the committee approved its October 28 minutes and 2027 meeting schedule.
The board accepted FY 2025-26 audited financial statements with a clean opinion: $717.5 million in net position and unrestricted cash covering about 9.5 months of operations. It approved an amended consent calendar, including a Fremont public water system extension agreement, and a $103,510 city valve-box reimbursement. Two commenters raised concerns about hard water and household appliances; no action was taken. GASB 103 changed revenue classifications without changing the bottom line.
Groundwater levels are ahead of 2027 interim milestones, with nearly all monitored West Turlock levels above minimum thresholds. The draft GSP periodic evaluation and revised plan are open for comment through November 20. The GSAs have designed a fixed water-quality monitoring network, with sampling planned to begin in 2027: annually for nitrate and every three years for most other constituents.
On November 12, the board reviewed a basin plan projecting nearly 18,000 acre-feet of annual demand by 2050 and declining groundwater storage under severe climate conditions. Staff discussed an Army agreement for J-2-1 and a proposed $5.4 million total budget for Job #11472, Area J-2. Staff reported $3.5 million in federal design funding; J-2-1’s parcel count remained unclear. The regional MOU and leak policy were also discussed without a vote.
The board approved an up-to-$1 million G Ranch contract, including a planned 77-acre conservation easement subject to appraisal approval and native cover crop seeding. A separate DWR-funded restriction would protect about 162 more acres. The board deferred a cover crop rule change for one month without adopting it. A wetter winter is favored but uncertain, and landowners were encouraged to prepare for possible flood recharge.
