Staff said the State Water Board is accelerating its interim plan timeline, with potential adoption in Jan–Feb 2027, including a possible pumping moratorium within about two miles of the Friant-Kern Canal. Staff discussed a potential shift from ET/consumption-based accounting to pumping-based tracking and warned growers that SWRCB fee invoices are arriving with a 30-day deadline.
The board approved a $165/acre assessment rate for 2026-2027, below the staff-recommended maximum of ~$180.33. Staff discussed rising subsidence risk and a possible tiered upper/lower aquifer allocation framework, with recommendations targeted by this fall. The SWRCB interim plan timeline was discussed: potential adoption by July 2027 with effect in 2028, adding uncertainty around local pumping management.
Subsidence is accelerating across management zones, with one monitored lower-aquifer site about 70 feet below its minimum threshold (MT) as the primary driver. Staff estimated pumping reductions of 0.6–0.9 acre-feet per acre in SMZ 35 could help recover levels, with flood irrigators facing the largest impact. Staff said they will develop possible pumping-cap and allocation change options for next year and return with options in July–August.
The board unanimously approved the Tule Subbasin coordination cost-share MOU ($316K with Delano in; $359K without) and an $11,333 share of an ERA Economics study. The board directed staff (no policy vote) to use a 50/50 unused-allocation credit conversion approach for the upcoming run and urged participation in the state SGMA fee-setting process starting Friday.
Both boards unanimously approved Phase 2 of a PR campaign to bolster credibility and readiness for state/federal funding. Consultants cited potential sources including Prop 4 (incl. $386M for SGMA/subsidence), cap-and-trade, the state general fund (incl. discussion of ~$2B for DWR subsidence-related efforts), and federal programs. Staff said a unified plan proposal (est. $1.4M) will come to a June meeting.
