A 30-inch San Juan system pipeline was repaired after its third break; three long-term options (~$2.7M, ~$6.0M, ~$8.6M) were discussed with no action. Paicines has ~18–19 days of releases left at 22 AF/day; Hernandez is at dead pool. The board approved Reclamation conveyance/power agreements for potential Yuba transfers; combined losses could leave ~60% delivered.
Groundwater basin remains strong; Board adopted the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (20–25 year outlook) showing a minor 2045 deficit tied to water-quality targets. Board also approved a $310,975 Todd Groundwater contract (WY 2026–2030). San Justo ~48,320 ft elevation (~7,100 AF); flows strong despite cool weather.
The board adopted an updated SGMA groundwater management fee of $0.60/acre for FY 2026/27–2030/31, down from $6.39/acre, citing a ~$1.5M program balance from prior years of over-collection. The GM reported a 5% CVP allocation increase (2,000+ acre-feet) and additional water available on request. FY 2026/27 budget revenue totals $36.4M.
Staff reported the FY2021–2026 groundwater management fee program over-collected by approximately $1.5 million and previewed a potential next-cycle fee of about $0.60 per acre per year. A public hearing on the new fee is planned for next month. The Board also approved $1,043,281.05 in additional ADRoP contingency funding due to utility conflicts. Well 1 may produce around 2,000 gpm, and staff expects to return next month with roughly $1.6 million in pump procurement costs.
CVP agricultural allocation increased to 20% (M&I to 70%), adding ~2,200 acre-feet per the GM; further increases may not materialize. Zone 6 demand is already ~75% of summer peak, raising pressure concerns as the season progresses. A catastrophic penstock failure at Yuba County's Colgate Power Plant has put the Yuba water transfer program at risk, potentially limiting supply during future dry years.
