The board approved a new land-based assessment funding mechanism and set 2026 water allocations at 1.54 acre-feet per acre while addressing revenue shortfalls. Several landowner variance requests were granted and unpaid fees will now go directly to the county tax roll for more efficient collection.
The advisory committee reviewed positive developments including state approval of groundwater sustainability plans and successful water conservation efforts showing reduced consumption. Key ongoing initiatives include enhanced groundwater quality monitoring, well inventory programs, and continued restrictions on overdraft pumping for 2026.
The committee received positive news that State Water Resources Control Board staff is developing a report to recommend moving the subbasin to DWR oversight, expected for a November 4th hearing. The committee also approved 2026 water allocations with no changes from 2025 levels and discussed significant budget increases through a proposed Proposition 218 land-based assessment that could raise rates from $7.45 to as much as $27 per acre maximum.
