Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The Standing Advisory Committee discussed volume-based pumping penalties and a variance pool; no fee policy or allocation change was adopted. Two unusual well readings were resolved, while a three-completion monitoring site remains under review. Modeling outside the Central Management Area did not meet the current trigger for further management. The committee approved the August 27 minutes and supported developing a groundwater-management grant concept.
A hearing over delinquent well fees was cancelled after the owner paid a recalculated balance on meeting day; a September notice had estimated $42,718.50. Directors discussed a more consistent collections process, but adopted no policy or deadline. The key well stood at 113.34 feet below ground, with about 62,000 acre-feet in storage, after its water level rose about two feet from a possible October 20 low.
Staff reported a record 8,024 acre-feet diverted at the Salinas River Diversion Facility and a goal of keeping supplemental-well use below 10% on an annual average. The committee approved its July 30 minutes and recommended continuing the Interim Operations Plan with an 80 CFS steelhead passage target. A consultant reviewed differing storage and withdrawal limits for Nacimiento and San Antonio.
The committee approved its April 16, 2026, minutes and reviewed Pure Water Silicon Valley, planned to deliver up to 24,000 acre-feet of purified water annually by 2035. A June 2026 poll found 52% support for the project after a brief description, rising to 58% with more information. Staff outlined outreach and competitive grants, including an unsuccessful $25 million state request. Chair Tony Estremera said term limits made this his final committee meeting.
The board approved golden mussel treatment in the Friant-Kern Canal. Staff said local emergency declarations do not qualify for the emergency funding discussed. A strong El Niño outlook raised the prospect of flood-management actions by mid-January, while two canal pools are slated to remain dewatered through January for construction. Phase 1 work continues; the Phase 2A bid date is November 10, with a December award targeted.
