2026 snowpack is tracking as the worst or second worst on record; Reclamation is cutting Powell releases by 1.5 million acre-feet, likely accelerating Mead's decline. A short-term lower basin bridge proposal submitted last Friday awaits a federal Record of Decision by late July. Salton Sea exposed playa reached 43,190 acres; dust controls cover ~72% of emissions. The board adopted the final Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Red Hill Bay BACM project.
The board approved returning **$48.4M in surplus fuel and purchased power collections** as summer bill credits (~12% reduction). It also approved the 2026 Summer Savings Initiative, expanding efficiency programs including a new Time-of-Use incentive and school HVAC funding. Staff projected Lake Mead could drop ~20 feet despite record conservation efforts.
~714,000 acre-feet of conservation was presented as provisional for 2025, while in-valley agricultural deliveries fell to 2.187 million acre-feet—the lowest in records back to at least 1993. Staff said the April 1 snow survey showed snowpack nearly gone and conditions could rank among the worst years on record. On-farm efficiency generated 196,000+ acre-feet; deficit irrigation also contributed.
Water updates covered new reservoir designs and a critical AAC siphon bypass plan protecting over 100,000 acres. A director raised concerns automated gates may cut deliveries by 20%, and staff said they have not verified reductions but will check G Lateral. Power staff reported on repower/transmission work and the approved 8,000‑pole program; RICE supply chain risks noted.
The Board approved a $7.5M FLOW infrastructure grant program for local public agencies with a 50-50 cost share and water/ag nexus; applications likely roll out in April 2026. Staff reported inflow projections down nearly 3M acre-feet since November and Lake Mead near 1,056 ft. The Forbearance Agreement amendment was approved.
