Golden mussels have spread into Metropolitan facilities; control measures are underway but some sites (e.g., Live Oak) may be 12–18 months from protection. Directors asked for Camp for Water portfolio clarity ahead of the April budget timeline. Staff outlined ICER to coordinate reliability efforts feeding into Camp for Water.
Legislative outreach in Sacramento is underway to build support for SB 872, seeking greenhouse gas funds for subsidence and levee stabilization. A new Bay Delta vulnerabilities item was added to the March 24, 2026 Subcommittee on Imported Water agenda. March agendas include proposed committee restructuring and a $250,000 increase in Colorado River legal counsel contracts.
Colorado River negotiation strategy was discussed in closed session with no action taken. During public comment, a speaker said independent economists estimate Delta Conveyance Project costs could reach about 60 billion dollars and urged independent review. SB 827, co-sponsored by Delta advocates and water contractors, was described as supporting inner-Delta levee improvements for long-term water supply reliability.
The Board certified the Environmental Impact Report for the Pure Water Southern California project, which will produce up to 150 million gallons per day of recycled water for approximately 500,000 homes. A public hearing was set for March 10, 2026, to consider proposed water rates for 2027-2028. An agricultural lease agreement for rice farming on District property was deferred.
The State Water Project allocation increased from 10% to 30% (approximately 570,000 acre-feet), though it remains subject to change based on hydrologic conditions. The Upper Colorado River Basin is tracking toward its driest year on record with snowpack at only 58% of median, complicating negotiations. Basin states face a February 14, 2026 deadline to reach consensus on post-2026 Colorado River operations, with major disagreements over how reductions should be shared.
