The spray-cast pipelining program set a production record, lining ~15,500 feet of canal at $84/ft — under the $104/ft budget — with the K-lines from Santa Fe to Escalon targeted next season. The water treatment plant received a CO₂ force majeure notice and is testing sodium hydroxide as an alternative for pH control. Directors thanked crews for managing a difficult irrigation season and noted water clarity improvements from Magneside treatment.
Financial reports showed $123.8M in cash and investments, with strong Tri-Dam revenues. Lobbying updates flagged concerns with AB 2026 groundwater recharge language; partners including SJTA are opposed unless amended.
The Board adopted the 2025 Ag Water Management Plan (Res. 26-11-W). Staff cited the 2024–2025 water year (Oct–Sep) farm-gate deliveries of 124,137 AF and estimated private pumping of ~65,000 AF. Staff announced Magnacide application begins April 20 and Cascade is planned for May 10, sparking Board concerns about debris clogging filters and burning pumps. Directors also toured the Canyon Tunnel construction site, where roughly 180 feet have been bored to date.
The board voted 3-2 to impose new contract terms on field employees after failed negotiations with IBEW Local 1245, including a 7-on/7-off schedule and revised overtime and health insurance structures effective March 2026. The 2026 irrigation season was unanimously set to begin March 11, with water flowing into the main canal March 2. Staff also reported re-engaging Division 9 growers following a failed rate vote, with follow-up meetings planned to build toward a revised proposal.
The board discussed March 4, 2026 as a tentative irrigation season start date, pending weather and construction completion, with final confirmation expected at the February 24th meeting. Full water entitlement is expected for 2026 based on favorable reservoir forecasts, and the BNSF double track project was conditionally approved with a February 27th completion deadline.
