Pilot recharge studies south of Chico confirmed excellent infiltration rates, with three recharge concepts outlined for potential advancement. Staff reviewed the GSP Periodic Evaluation schedule due January 2027, with groundwater levels and sustainable yield starting in June and continuing into July, and other topics into July/August.
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.
