Demand management planning remains in early information-gathering stages, with no decisions made and a more detailed update expected next meeting. Kern Tulare's letter criticizing EWMA demand-management progress prompted EWMA and counsel to respond; Kern Tulare said EWMA can act now and noted it is protesting EWMA's local agency formation commission. The board voted to hold one combined special meeting on June 15.
Board ratified a cost-share agreement adding KNDLA into subbasin coordination costs, with projected annual amounts of about $23K or $37K depending on GSA size and possible additional cash calls. PMP demand-management policy work is underway; the ad hoc plans to meet after the holiday (early April). Outreach workshops may occur this summer after the annual plan is completed.
The board approved hiring Provost & Pritchard to analyze groundwater allocation policy options, with a draft report expected in 10–14 weeks and no policies selected yet. An annual cash call of $18,040 per member was approved to fund ongoing operations as grant funding runs out. A member of the public raised concerns about oilfield wastewater disposal threatening west side groundwater quality, with a state hearing upcoming to contest current de-designation efforts.
The board was notified that a cash call will likely be needed next month with current funds at $79,000 and $36,000 in bills due. The managers committee met with Provost & Pritchard about a potential demand management fee structure scope, with a proposal expected at the February meeting. East Side Water Management Area reported being one signature away from moving its district formation forward, with final formation expected in 6–9 months.
The board discussed three cost-share options ($28K-$95K annually) for joining the subbasin-wide program but made no decision. Staff received direction to participate in developing a county well ordinance that would allow GSA review of well permits before approval. The agency must address two data gaps for water level and water quality monitoring by December 2026.
