The committee voted unanimously to recommend replacing groundwater-level proxies with InSAR satellite data and paired monitoring wells to directly measure land subsidence, with a 0.5-foot cumulative threshold. On interconnected surface water, it recommended a combined show-progress/proceed-carefully approach while deferring new SMCs (6–1, with 1 abstention/non-vote). Next: groundwater-level SMCs and GDE topics (incl. Valley Oaks/urban forest).
The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and unanimously passed two recommendations to the board: (1) that the upcoming GSA's periodic evaluation (PE) state the GSA will develop a well mitigation program within the next five-year implementation period, and (2) that the board dedicate FY 2026–27 budget funds to initiate the planning process in early 2027. Staff analysis estimated ~400–462 sustainably-constructed domestic wells are above the current MT level (24–32%), with worst-case...
Groundwater levels rose ~3 feet and storage increased ~44,000 acre-feet in Water Year 2025; staff reported groundwater levels, quality (specific conductivity), and subsidence criteria showed no exceedances. May–Aug 2026 are key months for domestic well mitigation/registry discussion, minimum thresholds, and interconnected surface water. Draft periodic evaluation/updates targeted by late summer; adoption by year-end. RFP in progress.
Two surface-water options to offset pumping were presented: South Vina Extension (~6,970 AFY) and Ridge to Valley (1,500–3,500 AFY), with delivered costs discussed at ~$300–$425/AF vs. $60–$80/AF pumping. Demand reduction work highlighted extended orchard replacement and small-farm precision irrigation. Lindo Channel work suggested ~20–100 AF/day of added recharge when flow occurs.
Lindo Channel appears to provide ~100 acre-feet/day of recharge when flowing, with a final report due in early April. Presentations suggested the ~10,000 AF/year overdraft can be managed via recharge, surface water supply, and demand reduction—especially extended orchard replacement. Two surface-water options were presented, but costs exceed pumping rates, so incentives/grants may be needed.
