An independent investigation into a director's water use on land straddling district boundaries proved inconclusive, with a motion for further attorney-led fact-finding failing 2-2. The board reelected its president 3-1 and appointed a vice president unanimously amid governance concerns. Water storage stands exceptionally strong at 77% capacity at Don Pedro, with MID’s portion just under 400,000 acre-feet, positioning the district well for the 2026 irrigation season.
District presented a significantly revised groundwater replenishment program draft through in-lieu recharge and direct recharge facilities. A new 'limited implementation year' option allows up to 12,000 acre-feet at $400 per acre-foot, potentially doubling program availability. The enhanced program eliminates board discretion by automatically activating when two objective criteria are met: uncapped allocations and excess river flows above regulatory minimums.
The board tabled proposed marina contract amendments following public concerns about increased insurance costs and boat repair restrictions. Water storage remains strong at 75% reservoir capacity with significantly higher groundwater pumping in 2024 due to strategic operational changes. Early precipitation levels are promising at 70-130% of normal, while salmon recovery efforts showed extraordinary success with over 2,300 fish counted this season.
The board discussed a draft groundwater allocation framework requiring a 14% reduction in pumping by 2026, with the district benefiting from legal exemptions that allow recovery of approximately 30,000 acre feet annually due to their surface water imports. A well mitigation program will launch in January 2026 at an initial cost of $300,000 split among member agencies to assist domestic well owners affected by groundwater management activities. The framework must be submitted by January 2026.
The board reviewed a $35.6 million capital budget for transmission and distribution infrastructure improvements, representing a $7.4 million increase driven by growth in several service areas and critical equipment needs. Staff reported continued material cost inflation of 20-40% annually with supply chain challenges creating 3-5 year lead times for major equipment. The district is also moving forward with regulating reservoir projects that could save up to 30,000 acre-feet of water annually once completed.
