Board approved the 2026 budget, including funds for land easements, domestic well mitigation, and a meter reimbursement program of up to $3,500 per installation. Beginning January 1, 2026, a new allocation policy requires landowners to be in 'good standing' (balances paid and well access agreements on file) to receive allocations, with ET data subject to a multiplier where used instead of compliant meters.
The board officially adopted an amended groundwater sustainability plan that addresses all state-identified deficiencies and includes expanded monitoring and new management criteria. New water meter requirements were approved for non-domestic wells using over 2 acre-feet annually, with mandatory installation by April 2026 and a $116,000 annual contract for monthly monitoring services. The agency also submitted a comprehensive exemption request to avoid state reporting fees, arguing they already meet requirements through active management programs, with a decision expected in early 2026.
