Agricultural groundwater use hit its 4th-lowest level in 26 years, with groundwater storage seeing a modest increase despite below-average rainfall. Board approved mid-year budget amendments reflecting augmentation charge revenue now projected at $14M and ~$12.6M in expenditure reductions due to delayed construction on the slough project. College Lake project delivered 175 acre-feet from lagoon recirculation, while the slough project advances toward a construction bid later this year.
The College Lake Water Treatment Plant is delivering water and provided 670 acre-feet during its 2025 testing phase. Director Amy Newell announced she will not seek re-election when her current four-year term ends in November of this year. Two new supplemental wells are being brought online, with Well 4 already operating and Well 3 agreements approved for engineering, construction support, and site electrical work.
The board awarded a $1.64 million contract for Supplemental Well No. 3 after six bids, with completion expected around April 2027 so it can serve peak season 2027. At the ACWA conference, speakers warned that 500,000 to 1 million Central Valley acres may be fallowed under SGMA and other pressures. PV Water’s Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program is seeking more grower participation in its survey.
Committee recommended awarding the Supplemental Well No. 3 contract to Pacific Infrastructure at $1.6 million, nearly $450,000 under budget, with the well expected to be operational by 2027 to relieve pressure on the coastal aquifer by shifting pumping inland. College Lake water treatment plant continues experiencing sand and sediment issues affecting berry growers' irrigation systems, with testing ongoing through mid-December to resolve quality problems.
The fourth Pajaro River Watershed workshop drew 56 participants, showcasing strong multi-stakeholder collaboration on integrated watershed management strategies with potential Proposition 4 funding ahead. The College Lake project is operational, delivering 656 acre-feet through October, and a $460,052 Verdantas agreement was approved. A proposed nearby battery storage project remains uncertain after the county delayed its ordinance to March.
