The board discussed golden mussel treatment options, landing on a month-to-month reassessment approach. Friant Class One allocation remains at 100% (~1.12 AF/acre) with no further changes expected. Forecasters report El Niño is developing unusually early, which could disrupt fall canal dewatering and mussel treatment timing.
Golden mussel treatment is underway with promising early results; staff estimate ~$300K more through year-end. Allocation is 1.0 AF/acre; staff expect ~1.1 once finalized. Board approved shift to water-year billing/ET limits with 2.58 AF/acre for Jan–Sep 2026 transition.
Metered allocated delivery starts May 18; allocation is projected near ~1.1 AF/AC. The board approved the revised 2026 budget (~$59.4K surplus) and approved signing the Greenleaf EarthTec QZ contract ($15/AF; $20K down payment only if treatment begins). Poplar recharge budget increased to ~$110K. $225K set aside for potential golden mussel treatment. Treatment begins if pump-back resumes or mussels are found. Growers advised to consult their PCA before using treated water on sensitive crops.
Staff projected a ~1.0 AF/acre allocation and plans to announce it in late April. The board denied 5 of 6 unused-allocation charge waiver requests, signaling stricter enforcement going forward. The board approved an MA-2 penalty waiver agreement for a grower tied to 53 acres of orchard removal and a 110 AF credit transfer to reach a zero cumulative balance by end of 2027.
Board approved sending penalty invoices to three MA-2 landowners who exceeded the 3 AF/acre ET limit, at $500 per AF of overage. Staff discussed demand-reduction settlements, but the vote only approved invoices. Staff said ET limits will tighten from 3 toward 2 AF/acre over ~15 years. Friant is at 100% Class 1 but may drop to the 90–100% range after runoff risk.
