Golden mussel larvae were found in Diamond Valley Lake; they do not affect drinking water safety, and controls are underway. Metropolitan is assessing risks after an El Niño emergency declaration and plans a November update. Ortega appointed Mark Gold chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Colorado River Negotiations. The committee approved election procedures and Marty Miller as a board chair candidate, and deferred further action on two final ethics findings pending any FPPC action.
Metropolitan staff warned that planned annual Colorado River reductions of 1.25 million acre-feet in 2027 and 2028 may not prevent dead pool if dry conditions persist. Staff called for Metropolitan to join negotiations, while directors discussed a possible basin-wide water leadership council. The subcommittee approved its August 25 minutes. No action was taken on the communications report or closed-session item.
The board took no position on Proposition 45. It deferred the climate adaptation Administrative Code amendment to January 2027. The board approved a $42.7M contract for Colorado River Aqueduct pumping plant piping rehab and a $172.8M Sepulveda Pump Stations Phase 2B agreement increase.
Staff reported post-2026 Colorado River guidelines set California at 3.96 million acre-feet (down 440,000) if an implementing agreement is executed, and that Lake Mead elevations could trigger consultation and potential limits on access to stored water in 2028. Staff said the draft Sites water-right permit includes a 55% unimpaired bypass flow; a revised draft is expected Sept. 3 and a final permit is targeted for early November.
The board approved the ad valorem property tax rate for fiscal year 2026/27 at 0.0085% and authorized a $29.214 million Phase 1 design-build agreement for Lake Mathews upgrades. GM Deshmukh said he will meet with Imperial Irrigation District this week to resume Colorado River reduction talks and work toward a California shortage-sharing agreement for board consideration this fall.
