Staff recommended reducing groundwater allocation to 1.2 acre-feet per acre for 2026 due to unsustainable current pumping rates that are causing violations of minimum thresholds. Technical analysis revealed water levels are critically close to permanent subsidence triggers, with only 4-10 feet of buffer remaining across the service area. A new gross water accounting system was proposed to better track actual groundwater extraction, replacing the current net consumptive use method.
Groundwater levels improved by 5 feet from last year, reaching depths similar to pre-drought conditions in 2014, thanks to 3 consecutive wet years. The district is shifting from targeted subsidence restrictions to basin-wide allocation reductions after modeling showed that localized pumping limits simply move problems to adjacent areas. Final 2026 water allocations will be decided by December or January after evaluating scenarios including reductions to transitional water allowances.
GSA's exclusion request from state probationary fees remains pending, leaving landowners facing continued $300/well and $20/AF fees through 2025. Subsidence restrictions near the Friant-Kern Canal may expand from 2 to 3 miles due to insufficient progress, while increasing 52% well registration rate is the key to avoiding blanket pumping restrictions and pursuing targeted management. Monthly meetings will now address urgent subsidence issues and determine 2025 water allocations by December.
The board addressed ongoing challenges with state oversight exclusion hearing delays and low well registration compliance while approving a promising groundwater banking feasibility study. Key operational updates included water delivery reports and equipment purchases, with continued focus on subsidence management around the Friant-Kern Canal.
The board approved a significant assessment rate increase to $179 per acre (up from $140.50) to fund water purchases and maintain cash flow, representing the maximum allowed under their previous Proposition 218 election. The district continues under state board probation with an exclusion request pending and faces ongoing challenges with only 51% well registration compliance among landowners.
