The board approved an updated East Las Posas groundwater model for evaluating Calleguas aquifer storage and recovery operations and managing groundwater. Executive Officer John Demers reported that the technical section has 2.5 of its planned 5.5 staff members after three departures; two offers for an open position were declined. Dudek works to stitch the separate East and West Las Posas models together. The board also approved its 2027 meeting schedules.
The board approved automatic reductions for eligible late-reporting penalties in the backlog, including a one-time first-violation waiver, even without written requests. Staff reported $11.5 million assessed in its late-reporting review, $1.3 million waived and $280,000 paid. Las Posas Valley Water Year 2026 allocations were adopted at about 40,000 acre-feet overall, with individual changes reflecting transfers and ownership changes. Future penalty rules and owner-operator reforms remain under consideration.
Board adopted the FY 2026-27 FCGMA budget and the FY 2026-27 LPV Watermaster budget, using reserves to offset a planned operating shortfall. LPV basin assessment set at $57.50/AF; project assessments vary by service area. WY 2023 overuse assessments were issued; WY 2024 cure transfers due Oct. 1, 2026.
The board approved 1,000 AF of Calleguas in-lieu imported water for Las Posas Valley (BOP Project 2) in the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, using ~$868,000 from reserves to cover half the cost. It also approved a $62,240 ESA accounting pilot and a $298,725 Woodard & Curran feasibility study for northern East Las Posas.
A draft Las Posas BOYS was introduced: a basin-wide ramp-down may not be needed if two projects proceed, projecting ~36,860 AFY, including ~3,140 AFY imported water and an Arroyo Simi acquisition assumption. WY 2025 was a critical dry year with higher pumping and lower levels. Watermaster is pursuing >$70,000 in WY 2024 delinquencies; 3 WY 2023 accounts still owe ~$3,144 plus fees.
