The district is evaluating a 4-megawatt natural gas power generation project that could reduce electricity costs from 28-29 cents per kilowatt hour to 9-10 cents, with a 3.5-year payback period. Water rates for 2026 were reduced, with State Water Project charges dropping to $87/AFt. The board approved a conservative 2026 budget projecting an $8.2 million loss based on a worst-case scenario of 50% water allocation and no banking activity.
The board is set for the Subbasin to exit the state’s probationary oversight with basin-wide coordination and monitoring programs. New landowner banking agreements were approved to expand water storage eligibility and allow ledger-based deficit offsetting without physical water recovery. Despite environmental concerns, duck club water issues were addressed with a timeline through 2035.
