Board approved a 37-acre recharge pond construction ($150,738) while advancing methodology for subsidence mitigation triggers that would activate demand management. Staff revealed District faces a 30,000-40,000 acre-foot annual overdraft even without external pumping, requiring internal water use reductions regardless of surrounding area actions. Board adopted the 2025 Water Management Plan Update, while delaying a second recharge pond bid pending additional contractor quotes.
The Board approved purchasing a new equipment trailer for $29,029 to replace an aging unit that cannot safely transport newer machinery. A major pipeline replacement project was authorized for the failing Number 13 line, which required six emergency repairs in 2024 and serves 220 acres. The district will also move forward with a recharge well drilling program on district-owned ponds, with wells spaced approximately 300 feet apart at $2,000-$3,000 per hole to improve groundwater recharge ...
The Board unanimously approved a pilot groundwater extraction fee program that will charge growers for pumping above set thresholds, aiming to reduce the district's water use by 11.4%, or 30,000-40,000 acre feet, annually. They consider satellite-based monitoring systems, IrriWatch or Land IQ, rather than physical well meters to track usage. Additionally, the Board approved redesigning a recharge pond to increase capacity from 25 to 50 acre feet.
