Groundwater depth averaged about one foot lower year-over-year, and Kings River runoff is 52% of average. The board discussed July rate-setting tied to the budget and recharge-basin buildout pace. GEI's canal capacity study should have initial data by July, and land acquisition/project work continues.
Surface water supplies are projected to last only through about the first week of July, with roughly 120,000 acre-feet of usable supply remaining at current delivery rates (~2,000 AF/day). The board approved Resolution 2026-01, preserving the option for tax-exempt bond financing and reimbursement of capital expenditures. Board members also discussed preparing a second reverse auction for recharge basin land acquisition, potentially launching this summer.
Kings River April–July runoff forecast fell to 43%, reducing CID's expected run from ~90 to ~60 days; the Board directed a May 4 start. SWRCB actions in Tule/Tulare Lake subbasins (on probation) exempt pumpers under 20 acre-feet from state fees, though registration and reporting are still required. CID's GSP remains under DWR review with no comments received; the annual report was submitted and accepted.
Water runs were discussed with a target start of March 30 for Lone Tree (~24,000 AF) and around May 1 for CID (~178,000 AF). CID discussed SGMA 'good actor' positioning. Recharge projects: Nebraska-Walnut Phase 2 ~90% and Camden-Wolf ~50%, with flood-release risk noted.
The Board backed Kings Sub-basin groundwater yield framework numbers for Central Kings GSA at about 1.63 acre-feet per acre, based on 2009-2023 data. The district received 12 reverse auction offers for potential recharge basins, averaging about $32,000 per acre excluding two high bids, and reported receiving $1 million in federal reimbursement toward the Wolf Basin land purchase.
