A hard shutdown begins November 1 to support Terra Bella's tie-in to the new canal, with completion targeted by end of January and deliveries resuming around February; staff said to plan on operating with wells during the shutdown. The board approved Stop Alarm monitoring for multiple pump stations after a third copper theft at Station 6 resulting in ~$54,000 in losses, and staff reviewed a Station 1 transformer failure tied to overloading, with pad-mount replacements planned this winter.
Terra Bella plans a Nov. 1 shutdown for the new canal tie-in and expects to be back online by Feb. 1. The Bureau confirmed TBID will stay at 100% Class 1 this year. Millerton is ~28,000 AF from spilling; any spill would be URF/non-storable and not expected to affect TBID. Lower Tule named a new manager; staff will monitor the exchange arrangement.
The 2026 water year budget and rates were adopted after a 45-day public comment period with no objections. The board discussed State Water Board certified well-registration letters and noted advice that if reporting any use, report 0.15 AF/acre (the native safe yield portion). Friant allocation was cited as 85% for planning purposes, with a possible update to 80–85% after storm data.
Water supply was discussed as favorable despite weak snowpack: 2,962 AF carryover and a 12,000 AF Lower Tule transfer were cited as a cushion. The Board approved a resolution stating Terra Bella GSA is operating under the ETGSA GSP until consultant updates. Eastern Tule GSA wind-down, closeout billing/reimbursements, and audit prep were discussed.
The district will experience a planned power shutdown this Saturday, with backup generators maintaining operations. The water supply outlook is strong with 3,048 acre feet of current carryover (1,435 TBID, 1,613 Lower Tule) and an anticipated initial Class 1 allocation around 60 percent that could be higher depending on storms. A draft 2026 budget and water rates were approved for 45 day public review, with draft rates currently showing decreases while final rates await updated ...
