The water district board approved a controversial $21.9 million infrastructure contract despite a local bidder submitting the lowest bid but being disqualified due to a clerical error. The district will transfer up to 7,000 acre-feet of surplus water to another agency for nearly $1 million in revenue, while a major regional reservoir expansion project worth $3.2 billion was suspended due to cost overruns and federal funding issues.
The board addressed infrastructure challenges including emergency shutdowns and costly recycled water operations while approving key project agreements. Growers should prepare for potential August water delivery limitations and monitor upcoming SGMA compliance updates.
