Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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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.
Golden mussels remain a long-term management issue; monthly veliger monitoring found a positive at milepost 134, and staff are planning dewatering-period treatment in November, with limited funding. Class 1 allocation remains at 100% and Millerton may run near minimum pool (~150 TAF). MRCCP Phase 2 ROW and the Porterville borrow-site LOI were on the agenda. An August groundbreaking is being planned.
