Staff reported plans to expand Domestic Well Mitigation Program to cover full replacement costs within the existing $35K cap, with no formal action taken. A new tiered demand management and subsidence mitigation program for the Chowchilla Subbasin was presented as informational, with more public input expected before adoption.
Committee approved a three-year allocation support contract with Davids Engineering for $927,000, providing rate stability for growers. New state subsidence guidance creates uncertainty by potentially requiring immediate action rather than the 2040 deadline, prompting concerns about 'moving the goalposts.' The Domestic Well Mitigation Program is now operational, accepting applications with streamlined processes and up to $35,000 in funding per project.
The committee approved rules for a Domestic Well Mitigation Program offering up to $35,000 per property for landowners whose wells failed since 2020 due to groundwater decline, and recommended hiring Davids Engineering for $514,000 to manage the program despite farmer concerns about costs. They also approved moving to a single satellite measurement provider (Hydrosat) to save approximately $300,000 annually, though this decision faced opposition since roughly half of current growers will be forced to switch systems from their existing providers.
The committee reviewed a detailed domestic well mitigation program framework with a $35,000 maximum reimbursement per well, though growers requested more time to analyze the documents before taking action. A farm unit reorganization policy was advised to the board, giving growers flexibility in allocating water credits and penalties during property transactions. Staff discussed continuing to offer multiple costly satellite measurement methods given the approximately $430,000 costs for 2025.
The Madera County GSA will reduce water allocations from 27.1 to 25.2 inches in 2026 (a 1.9-inch drop), marking the transition from 2% to 6% annual reductions through 2040 as planned in the GSP, with allocation charts extending to 2040 approved. Based on survey results showing 52% preference for Hydrosat over 23% for LandIQ, staff will negotiate a 3-year contract with Hydrosat only to reduce costs, eliminating the current dual measurement system while some growers voice concerns about reliability. A proposed farm unit policy for distributing carryover credits was delayed for further review after grower concerns, while three accounting platform demos will be conducted before selection.
