Water supply remains strong at a 100% Class 1 allocation, with ~11,000 AF of additional Tier 2 restoration flows expected. Kern Subbasin partners are revising the subsidence action plan to align with DWR BMPs, including critical head analysis, with an appendix amendment expected for board action next month. Spring sampling found exceedances at three wells; some notices sent, others pending investigations.
Phase one golden mussel treatment achieved 90%+ kill; a phase two September 2026 treatment is recommended at $1.7–$2M, with funding to be considered after July. Water supply remains at 100% allocation; snowpack is nearly zero. Claims approved totaled about $8.1M, driven by water purchases and capital work; supplemental purchases are typical in the long-term budget.
A copper-based treatment achieved near-complete golden mussel eradication at an initial cost of ~$2.75M, with a maintenance program costing about $1.79M annually (product estimate) under review. Staff reported no water pro-rate is needed this year even under two consecutive dry-year scenarios, with the direct recharge reserve bank at ~325,000 AF (projected ~260,000 after this year). Friant Class 1 allocation may drop from 100% to ~90–95% following early runoff and below-average snowpack.
District-wide chemical treatment of golden mussels began with 79 totes deployed across 12 injection sites, after settling plates revealed new juvenile mussels growing even in cold conditions. Water supply remains uncertain; wells were started at 100 cfs and staff said proration is not recommended yet but should be revisited in 30–45 days as allocations may be reduced due to weak snowpack. Long-time Director Edwin Camp resigned after 38 years of service, including 13 years as board president.
The board approved increasing on-farm recharge payments from $40 to $50 per acre-foot to encourage water spreading before the February deadline. Staff presented plans for a $1 million golden mussel treatment program using copper-based products, expected to require board approval at a special meeting before implementation in mid-February. Director Giumarra was elected as new board president, replacing Director Camp after nearly 13 years.
