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.
The basin reached approximately 90% capacity following exceptional rainfall of 22.67 inches (exceeding the annual average), resulting in a 75.77-foot rise in water levels. Significant concerns were raised about stream gauge data accuracy, with readings showing errors of nearly 10 times actual flow values. The board reviewed the basin's 'high priority' classification under SGMA, identifying potential inaccuracies that could warrant reclassification to 'medium priority.'
The groundwater basin maintains strong storage at 74.5% capacity despite minimal rainfall this year, holding approximately 60,000 acre-feet of water. The board approved $314,000 in required state compliance costs, including $225,000 for a mandatory sustainability plan evaluation and $89,000 for new monitoring wells, funded through current extraction fees. Directors are considering joining a legislative advocacy coalition for $6,000 annually that recently secured $15 million in state ...
