Lindo Channel appears to provide ~100 acre-feet/day of recharge when flowing, with a final report due in early April. Presentations suggested the ~10,000 AF/year overdraft can be managed via recharge, surface water supply, and demand reduction—especially extended orchard replacement. Two surface-water options were presented, but costs exceed pumping rates, so incentives/grants may be needed.
The Board approved formation of a Financial and Administrative Systems Ad Hoc Committee to guide the transition toward greater operational independence, with two members serving for nine months. A $536,000 contract amendment was approved to support groundwater monitoring well installation targeted for late February or early March. Recharge feasibility work is advancing, with a potential pilot site on Comanche Creek under active development.
Board reviewed groundwater monitoring and minimum thresholds, directing staff to prepare comparative analyses of 2022 versus 2025 data using consistent methodology and a matrix of DWR corrective actions. The board also discussed an interconnected surface water monitoring network and a domestic well mitigation framework, asking staff to research neighboring approaches and bring back options.
The committee discussed two options for recalculating groundwater minimum thresholds and agreed staff should analyze both before any changes, with agricultural members stressing data-driven justification. A possible domestic well mitigation program drew questions on scope, funding, and liability. Public comment highlighted transfer proposals totaling about 467,000 acre-feet per year. Staff will return in spring 2026 with MT calculations.
The board approved moving forward with a comprehensive domestic well risk assessment using an updated inventory of over 4,100 wells to identify those at risk from declining groundwater levels. New modeling revealed groundwater contributes over 100,000 acre-feet annually to the Sacramento River, with the river gaining water from groundwater consistently. A fee appeals process was established allowing property owners to contest fee classifications within 45 days, though fees must be paid...
