Board unanimously adopted the 2026 Cost of Service Rate Study and Resolution 2026-08, setting notice/hearing procedures for proposed delivered water and augmentation charge updates that could take effect Dec. 1, 2026 if later adopted. Delivered water would rise $501→$639/AF over five years (~5%/yr for delivered water; other categories vary). Rural residential bills may initially drop due to a 0.5→0.4 AF estimate.
Grower rate-setting work continues toward a Prop 218 process: delivered water charges are projected to rise ~5% annually over five years, and staff may bring a Prop 218 procedures resolution in June. Rural residential augmentation bills are projected to drop ~20% next year due to lower usage assumptions. College Lake is preparing to resume operations June 1 while teams address last season's water quality issues.
Agricultural groundwater use hit its 4th-lowest level in 26 years, with groundwater storage seeing a modest increase despite below-average rainfall. Board approved mid-year budget amendments reflecting augmentation charge revenue now projected at $14M and ~$12.6M in expenditure reductions due to delayed construction on the slough project. College Lake project delivered 175 acre-feet from lagoon recirculation, while the slough project advances toward a construction bid later this year.
The College Lake Water Treatment Plant is delivering water and provided 670 acre-feet during its 2025 testing phase. Director Amy Newell announced she will not seek re-election when her current four-year term ends in November of this year. Two new supplemental wells are being brought online, with Well 4 already operating and Well 3 agreements approved for engineering, construction support, and site electrical work.
The board awarded a $1.64 million contract for Supplemental Well No. 3 after six bids, with completion expected around April 2027 so it can serve peak season 2027. At the ACWA conference, speakers warned that 500,000 to 1 million Central Valley acres may be fallowed under SGMA and other pressures. PV Water’s Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program is seeking more grower participation in its survey.
