The Groundwater Sustainability Agency is finalizing an allocation policy that would assign 0.66 acre-feet per acre for properties 5 acres and larger, with transitional pumping allowances stepping down through 2040. Subsidence remains a major concern and could trigger pumping restrictions before groundwater level thresholds are reached, especially given the basin’s limited monitoring equipment. Well registration has reached about 66% of parcels, with continued outreach underway and domestic...
A groundwater sustainability agency faces a severe financial crisis with only $84,000 remaining in its bank account, prompting board approval to request an advance on property tax collections from the county. Meanwhile, staff presented detailed plans for a domestic well mitigation program to address wells going dry due to declining groundwater levels, requiring new funding mechanisms beyond current assessments. The agency is also finalizing critical allocation and subsidence management plans, with hopes to present the allocation plan by October that will project water requirements through 2040.
The board addressed low well registration rates and significant ground subsidence that could trigger pumping restrictions, while developing costly water quality monitoring programs under state pressure. Key decisions included maintaining current leadership, postponing registration penalties, and continuing budget discussions for preliminary $21 per acre-foot pumping fees.
