Groundwater discussions focused on urgent City of Tulare well impacts and strategies including exchanges, paid fallow, and injection wells. The summer run ended after six weeks, delivering ~68,000 acre-feet amid strong demand. Staff discussed golden mussels and Friant FY2027 budget including a ~$3.5M chemical treatment program.
Friant CEO reported $195M in non-reimbursable federal funds for Friant-Kern Canal capacity work with no new assessments. TID projects ~107,000 AF for 2026 at $53/AF; run expected through ~July 6–7. Tule East GSA lacks funding, a GSP, and regulations; subsidence risk remains unresolved. Board voted to oppose AB 2026.
Board reached consensus to start summer deliveries June 5 (diversion start June 2). With a projected ~40% runoff year, growers may receive ~0.5 AF/acre over ~30–34 days. Staff recommended keeping the summer rate unchanged at $53/AF. The board approved resolutions supporting ACWA's statewide water vision and consolidating Division 1 and 2 elections with the county, and directed the superintendent to finalize excavator purchase negotiations subject to equipment committee approval.
Snowpack at 17% (second-lowest on record) signals a dry year, with runoff possibly 20–30% and low odds of filling Lake Kaweah. Growers should plan for 4–5 weeks of surface water at 0.4–0.5 AF/acre, vs. last summer's 6 weeks at 0.65. TID purchased ~7,800 AF of URF water at ~$90/AF for recharge during a brief March run.
Kaweah snowpack measured 71% of March 1st average; NOAA runoff scenarios as low as 26–38%. Staff showed wide-range summer supply scenarios (3 weeks to a couple months) but stressed it is too early to commit. Board authorized proceeding with the office remodel/annex plan (ballpark ~$1.2M) pending bids and design refinement. Spring groundwater averaged 170 ft, about 4 ft lower than last spring, though decline is moderating.
