Growers must complete MLJ registration immediately or risk showing a zero allocation once spreadsheets are generated. GEARS reporting is due **May 1** for the period 7/15/2024–9/30/2025, with MLJ bulk-upload tools available to simplify submission. The board is actively researching whether growers can legally receive allocation credit for private water banking efforts, with legal findings expected at the next meeting.
State pumping fees have been delayed until May 2026 due to ongoing legal challenges, though appeals may cause further delays. A revised Groundwater Sustainability Plan with updated management criteria is due in March 2026, which could potentially allow escape from the probationary fee structure. Additionally, a new water allocation framework is under development that would distribute the basin's sustainable yield across all management agencies, with allocations based on historic pumping data.
