Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Modeling found curtailment during critical dry periods sends less than 10% of saved water to Foster Park, with lag times that can exceed a year. The Board approved the FY 2026/2027 budget and set the extraction-fee adoption item for its next regular meeting in June; the proposed rate is $168/AF based on 4,396 AF. Proposition 4 small-GSA grants of approximately $100K–$200K may become available to offset SGMA implementation costs.
Water ops looked strong: Oroville near capacity (~3.38 MAF) and Folsom nearly full (~958 TAF), with Jones potentially increasing from 4 to 5 units if available. Golden mussels are in a spawning boom; growers were asked to report sightings and also report if pipes are clear. April hydrology significantly improved conditions: precipitation at 180% of normal.
Water deliveries are nearing maximum capacity, with possible short-term wait lists as compressed demand follows mid-season rains. The board approved updates to the Operations & Maintenance Policy, clarifying point of delivery/use definitions and private lateral responsibilities. Staff reported draft Category 5 lateral agreements were mailed to affected landowners with a 14-day review window before signing.
North Kern (~2,000 AF) supplemental water may be offered pro‑rata once pricing is finalized (letter pending). Deliveries are currently ~1.6 AF/acre, but landowners were notified to plan on 1.5 AF/acre due to a Buena Vista payback from a 2023 spill; the final allowable amount may change. Staff will research white‑area demand management options used by neighboring districts and report back.
Spring 2026 groundwater monitoring shows 13 Eastern Principal Aquifer wells (33%) below minimum thresholds, matching fall 2025 levels. Stanislaus County aims to start a consultant by June 29 to develop the Non-District East action plan, due November 1, 2026. OID's Paulsell Lateral Expansion Phase 1 is in final stages of completion, expanding canal capacity from 30 cfs toward 180 cfs and expected to improve delivery and groundwater recharge.
