Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The Monterey Subbasin Committee reviewed draft groundwater plan amendments ahead of January 2027 hearings. Staff outlined Salinas Valley Basin GSA-wide costs through 2042, not yet combined with Marina Coast’s estimates; project cost allocation remains unresolved. Members discussed Corral de Tierra demand management, domestic-well mitigation and recharge; staff could not say whether local measures would suffice. The committee expressed consensus to cancel its December 30 meeting without a vote.
Valley Water discussed data center water demand, noting that use is not separately tracked and no increase attributable to data centers has been confirmed. Staff cautioned that recycled water is finite and greater use of it could affect a planned potable reuse project. Commissioner Daly urged members to check which model water-efficiency measures their agencies use; staff offered an adoption tracking sheet.
By a 4–3 vote, the board continued work on pumping credit Ordinance 2026-01 and set a November 5 workshop. The pumping-credit management action remains suspended until the five-year GSP evaluation is submitted or an ordinance is adopted. Members sought more modeling but approved no new modeling assignment or GSP amendment. Dudek reported below-average preliminary rainfall, four years of production below sustainable yield, and stable shallow-well levels in San Timoteo.
On October 28, Vina GSA’s SHAC recommended LMLs at all 25 North and South monitoring wells, set 15 feet below the measurable objective and triggered by fall readings below that level in two consecutive calendar years. It also recommended monthly monitoring and well-owner notification after a trigger. For Chico, it favored an urban forest assessment without Chico LMLs. The joint boards will consider the recommendations November 4.
General Manager Curtis Weeks said Forebay data support a finding of sustainability, but the draft groundwater plan needs clearer Forebay-specific costs, technical review procedures and sustainability language. The board directed staff to submit written comments by November 18 and requested clarification of its options if it declines to approve the update. A special meeting to consider the plan is anticipated in January 2027.
