Groundwater levels have recovered to 2013 levels at about 120 feet district-wide, though faster progress is needed to meet 2040 sustainability targets. Staff recommended changes to subsidence management policies, moving away from depth-based pumping restrictions due to complex geology showing most district pumping contributes to subsidence. Board approved a $50,000 public relations campaign to enhance its communication with state regulators and stakeholders outside Central Valley.
The board formally submitted an exclusion request from state probationary status after months of collaboration with regulatory staff. A $5.2 million budget increase was approved due to additional water purchases beyond normal allocations, while the well registration effort continues with 68% of landowners complying and two growers paying penalty rates of over $1,300 per acre-foot for unregistered water use.
