Zanjero presented a groundwater consumption methodology using OpenET minus effective precipitation and surface water deliveries, with methodology lock-in aimed for August. Effective precipitation proposes a single basin-wide average from four CIMIS stations. The Board unanimously approved Woodard & Curran's scope to respond to DWR comments; funding options are expected to return at a future meeting.
Groundwater monitoring found two southern basin wells below minimum thresholds in fall 2024, with eight more declining in the operational range. Basin storage fell 84,000 acre-feet (0.2%). The Authority is developing a groundwater accounting framework with GSA cluster meetings underway to compile surface water and pumping data.
The monitoring network was streamlined to 53 official wells, with CASGEM wells to be reintegrated into the portal by July 2026 under a separate tab. Centralized field sampling by a contracted firm will replace the current decentralized GSA collection system beginning Fall 2026. A draft FY 2026-27 budget holding member dues flat at $664,753 was presented for review, with formal adoption scheduled for June 10.
The board approved a $149,820 not-to-exceed contract with Zanjero for a basin-wide net groundwater impact accounting framework, funded through existing assessments. ED Berry said GSAs must advance demand management planning per the GSP. Kleinfelder presented plans for ~$2M federal ARPA-funded monitoring and data projects.
The board discussed developing demand management programs and agreeing on GSA allocation responsibilities by December 31, 2026, consistent with the 2024 GSP update and its 90,000 acre-foot overdraft estimate. Executive Director Julia Berry recommended hiring a consultant to create a standardized accounting method to track each GSA's groundwater impact, building on work already underway by four irrigation districts. Stockton East projects a 43,000–75,000 acre-foot potential deficit by ...
