General Manager Curtis Weeks said Forebay data support a finding of sustainability, but the draft groundwater plan needs clearer Forebay-specific costs, technical review procedures and sustainability language. The board directed staff to submit written comments by November 18 and requested clarification of its options if it declines to approve the update. A special meeting to consider the plan is anticipated in January 2027.
The General Manager said the Forebay appears near water-balance equilibrium, while the revised GSP draft—especially Chapters 9–10—still needs updating ahead of a public hearing targeted for early Jan. 2027. Public commenters cited missing/blank tables and inconsistencies. A Water Coalition representative said a model may overestimate surface flows by ~75%. Northern seawater-intrusion projects were cited at ~$1B.
Groundwater levels in the Arroyo Seco subbasin remain near sustainability targets following recent wet years; General Manager Weeks said demand management is not needed right now. A five-year Groundwater Sustainability Plan update is expected to be released for a 90-day public review in early September, with a public hearing planned for mid-January. Coastal seawater intrusion continues to pose a major unresolved challenge.
A demand management framework is being developed using historical recharge trends, though pumping reductions remain decades away unless long-term basin recovery fails. The Groundwater Sustainability Plan update is due January 2027, with public hearings expected this summer. Separately, a brackish water desalination project addressing seawater intrusion carries an estimated $1.4 million price tag, with unresolved technical questions and a board recommendation pending.
Draft Forebay/Arroyo Seco Cone fees are expected to be similar to last year, possibly slightly lower. A speaker warned fee-setting may not follow the 2021 coordination agreement, risking liability for both GSAs. Weeks relayed analysis tying modest long-term declines to reduced recharge, not pumping, and noted thresholds might not be reached until about the 2070s. Staff will bring a proposed fee-engagement process next month.
