The board approved switching to a single-invoice billing system for the emergency ordinance, reducing manual steps since most landowners accept the tiered water allocation. Staff updated the board on four well mitigation cases and a possible proactive re-drill incentive to reduce interim supply costs. Staff reported the Greater Kaweah stakeholder committee recommended replacing overdraft allocation with a supplemental supply allocation.
Staff reported progress in subsidence talks with DWR, including DWR's reaction to modeling that could show subsidence after 2040. The board approved a semi-annual cost-sharing invoice totaling about $688,000, split three ways (~$230,000 each). Staff said the State Water Board is expected to release a Phase Two scientific basis report Aug. 18 on Sacramento-Delta flows affecting surface water and recharge.
Water Year 2027 groundwater allocations remain unchanged at 9 inches tiered and 10 inches native yield, though staff flagged drier conditions and potential supply stress in 2030–2033. A $550K groundwater model update scope/budget was approved (MKGSA share stated as ~$183K under an equal cost-share arrangement) targeted for spring next year to produce outputs ahead of WY2028 allocations. Well registration remains behind at 358 of ~1,300 wells; staff expects a revised strategy within 30 days.
Well registration is now mandatory, with staff available to assist growers on-site during an outreach push expected this fall. The board approved a new Dedicated Recharge Basin Policy with embankment and verification requirements; staff said earlier applicants do not need to reapply and remain under review. Predictive modeling to inform a steady-state allocation for water year 2028 was cited as a top priority.
A mandatory well registration policy was approved, tying good standing to allocation eligibility and management tool access. Bulletin 118 modeling found groundwater levels below critical head at 4 of 6 modeled sites in the Kaweah Sub-basin; the first DWR subsidence meeting is targeted for July (date TBD). Kaweah–Tule groundwater banking work continues with Southern California partners, with a Phase 1 report expected June/July 2026.
