District-wide chemical treatment of golden mussels began with 79 totes deployed across 12 injection sites, after settling plates revealed new juvenile mussels growing even in cold conditions. Water supply remains uncertain; wells were started at 100 cfs and staff said proration is not recommended yet but should be revisited in 30–45 days as allocations may be reduced due to weak snowpack. Long-time Director Edwin Camp resigned after 38 years of service, including 13 years as board president.
The board approved increasing on-farm recharge payments from $40 to $50 per acre-foot to encourage water spreading before the February deadline. Staff presented plans for a $1 million golden mussel treatment program using copper-based products, expected to require board approval at a special meeting before implementation in mid-February. Director Giumarra was elected as new board president, replacing Director Camp after nearly 13 years.
Board discussed a significant golden mussel infestation discovered and asked staff to prioritize developing treatment options. Directors approved the final 2026 budget, which uses about $500,000 of reserves to hold current assessment rates. The Frick Unit Phase 2 pipeline project was awarded to Superior Ag for $4.35 million, well below the roughly $8 million engineer's estimate, and the board reduced the typical change order allowance so larger changes must return for approval.
Board approved $271,000 for a three-year satellite-based crop water monitoring contract with Land IQ to meet state groundwater management requirements. They also authorized $20,000 for continued Groundwater Sustainability Plan implementation through December 2025, with key commitments due by 2025-2026. Major infrastructure projects totaling 33,800 acre feet of annual capacity are progressing, including canal expansions and new wells that are 80% complete.
