Subsidence could cut deliveries 18%–87% by 2043 under no-action. DWR will start five interim projects with Check 17 gate removal in Sept. 2026 and liner raises; wet-year impacts improve to ~2%. Funding: $50M DOI + $45M Prop 4 proposed. Long-term fix benchmark up to $3.9B, aiming for 2033 readiness.
The board approved continuing Metropolitan's water standby charge for FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28, a resolution supporting a Proposition 4 funding application for reuse testing facility improvements, and a $26,679,800 seismic upgrade contract for the Weymouth Administration and Control Building. A watermaster representative said the golden mussel issue is challenging groundwater replenishment for nearly 2 million residents.
Lower Basin states proposed a 2026–2028 bridge: 1.25 MAF/yr lower basin reductions in 2027–2028 with CA at 440,000 AF/yr, plus 300,000 AF additional conservation total (funding-dependent). SWP stays 30% (possible May change). Proposal adds 3%/yr ICS evaporation and tightens ICS access to 0 at Mead 1,000 ft.
Board approved the Proposed Biennial Budget (FY 2026/27–2027/28) with $150M for Pure Water SoCal planning/final design and directed a market study on selling two Delta islands. It separately approved a $1.025B CIP appropriation and a Webb Tract rice-farming lease with Martini Companies, LLC.
Rapidly deteriorating Colorado River conditions, with Lake Powell nearing the 3,500-foot trigger for emergency federal action, raised concerns about near-term operations and future risk. Staff said the draft 2025 UWMP shows Metropolitan can meet demand through 2050 under required test conditions, while directors flagged unquantified risks. Staff noted broader uncertainties are addressed in the IRP and CAP for Water.
