Public commenters highlighted a DWR December letter on the 180/400 foot aquifer and an April 30 response date, warning that failure could lead to state intervention and fines. Staff and consultants showed that deep aquifers extend further than previously mapped and contain very old water with no known direct surface recharge. Seawater intrusion continues advancing despite existing projects, especially in the 400‑foot aquifer.
The Executive Committee meeting was canceled at 10:10 AM due to lack of quorum. A special meeting will be scheduled to address postponed agenda items, including updates to the Joint Powers Agreement and Bylaws, as well as a mid-term appointment for a SBC vacancy.
Consultant presentations on GSA-run modeling indicated that turning off all Upper Valley and Forebay pumping would change simulated seawater intrusion by about 4%, a result that stakeholders debated. Several speakers linked these findings to future Proposition 218 cost-allocation discussions, while staff said the specific runs will not be directly used in GSP implementation. DWR requested additional clarity on progress toward sustainability goals in the critically overdrafted basin.
The board approved a valley-wide demand management framework despite opposition, establishing potential water use restrictions across all areas rather than just overdrafted zones. New integrated hydrologic modeling revealed that previously stable groundwater sub-basins are actually experiencing slow declines, requiring attention in upcoming evaluations. Most critically, seawater intrusion spanning 11 miles requires massive intervention beyond simple water budget balancing, demanding active ..
The board discussed a demand management framework that provides a foundation for potential future water use restrictions but doesn't activate any programs immediately, serving as a planning tool requiring extensive additional work. A feasibility study for using excess Salinas River flows revealed major obstacles including limited seasonal availability, expensive storage needs, and complex permitting taking 4-6 years. Additionally, an updated seawater intrusion model was approved...
