Despite well-above-average rainfall, the Key Well measured 91.53 feet to water (~88% capacity / ~70,400 acre-feet), with outflows significantly exceeding inflows. Boardman Road multi-well case, the board voted on a modified enforcement approach and likewise directed staff to bring back revised resolutions reflecting board modifications. General Manager Julia Aranda announced she plans to transition out of her role in the coming months.
Basin remains about 90% full at roughly 72,000 acre-feet, with the key well at 78.46 ft as of the day before the meeting; no valley-floor precipitation in the past month. Dudek reported water quality generally stable across seven constituents (2021–2025). GM Aranda said staff is issuing notices to delinquent reporters; three received notices for possible July hearings.
Basin storage is ~95% (about 76,000 AF) after exceptional precipitation. A Ventura River Watershed adjudication trial is expected in late Aug/early Sept 2026 among three proposed physical solutions; the locally backed plan aims to avoid altering water rights, while the state proposal raised cost/regulatory concerns. The board approved the audited financial statements for FY ending 9/30/2025 and 9/30/2024 and discussed ~$698K net position held ahead of a ~$250K five-year GSP reporting cost.
Basin conditions were reviewed amid zero March rain and post-peak groundwater declines. WY2025 extractions (~4,138 AF) were noted near the low end of sustainable yield. The Board discussed next steps for non-reporting/unmetered wells, including potential penalties, and agreed the issue should go to the meter compliance ad hoc committee.
The Ojai Valley Groundwater Basin is near full capacity at ~95% (~76,000 acre-feet), with at least one artesian well already flowing and rejected recharge increasing. Over 27 inches of rainfall this water year — about 6 inches above average — has driven strong surface water inflows across multiple creeks. A replacement well at 1126 Mercer Avenue was approved, with expected extraction of 10 acre-feet per year found consistent with sustainability goals.
