Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The Board heard feasibility updates on New Seawater Intrusion Project concepts with large storage and pipeline needs and on Castroville intake alternatives relying on Permit 11043 winter flows. Staff clarified no mandatory demand management cutbacks will begin July 1, 2026 and that programs are still being developed. The 180/400 aquifer remains in a Stage 4 severity category.
The Board approved a first reading of an ordinance that would reduce flowmeter accuracy testing frequency for smaller wells (5–10 year intervals vs. the prior 3–5 year schedule). Staff outlined a modeling plan to study how upstream pumping affects streamflow at Foster Park, with work likely extending into mid‑2026. Monitoring showed the basin did not fully recharge in spring 2025, with declining flows and at least one shallow well going dry.
A major storm system forecast for next week could bring up to 12 inches of precipitation, potentially improving allocations expected around February 20th. The board discussed potentially using an informal grace period this year after USPS postmark changes and asked staff to explore credit card and ACH payment options. GSA coordination is advancing on basin‑wide subsidence monitoring and a domestic well‑focused mitigation program.
Groundwater storage has increased by about 600,000 acre-feet since 1990, with fall 2025 levels at or near historic highs at most monitoring sites. An RWA watershed resilience study projects about 80% snowpack loss by century's end and ag demand rising from 1.3 to 1.8 million acre-feet. Staff reported major upgrades to the CoSANA model and a 2026 GSP update priority.
Groundwater conditions continue improving with no minimum threshold exceedances recorded and most wells above sustainable management criteria. The initial review meeting for the revised 2025 Groundwater Sustainability Plan went smoothly, with DWR expressing interest in more collaborative engagement. Basin management costs are under discussion, including possible acreage-based components and more targeted use of competitive bidding for technical work.
