The Carpinteria Valley Water District Board voted 3-2 to place CAP project capital charges on the property tax roll for FY 2026-27 amid strong public opposition. In the subsequent GSA meeting, staff reported well registration at 49%, with meters due by July 31 ahead of the August 31 compliance deadline and penalty billing discussed for September 1. A $20,000 public outreach contract with Two Trumpets Communications was approved.
Water supplies remain strong (Cachuma ~94% full). The board authorized selling up to 2,100 AF of 2026 State Water at $400/AF (up to $840,000) and approved an on-call contract with Pueblo Water Resources for $20,000. The board adopted Resolution 1183 approving the 2025 UWMP/Water Shortage Contingency Plan, assuming CAP online in 2029 (~1,000 AFY).
The board approved a $503,575 FY2027 budget and set groundwater fees at $120 per acre-foot, based on ~4,200 acre-feet of estimated annual pumping from 2024 aerial imagery. Staff reported penalties remain waived through Aug. 31 and urged meter installation by July 31 as only ~45% of wells have submitted paperwork. Staff outlined excluding one bedrock-screened well; directors generally agreed it should be handled case-by-case with case-specific documentation.
The groundwater report showed 2025 pumping exceeded sustainable yield, with storage down ~1,100 acre-feet and levels over 50 feet below sea level. Early signs of seawater intrusion were noted, with planned downhole sampling and efforts to secure coastal monitoring wells. The well metering policy kept the March 31 registration deadline, with penalties waived through August 31; meters must be installed by July 31 so AMI setup is complete before metered billing begins September 1.
Penalties for well and meter registration were waived until after Aug 31, 2026 (March 31 due date unchanged; staff asked for forms by July 31). Billing will use estimated pumping through Aug 31, then switch to AMI data starting Sept 1. Preliminary FY2027 budget assuming $120/AF was information-only; final/Prop 218 on Apr 8, 2026.
