Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Staff reported a 61% April–July runoff forecast, low snowpack, and issued a proration letter with estimated amounts by service area. District storage accounts are very close to caps (with Stine and Farmers over cap), so BV/Stine/Farmers canals are running now to draw down ahead of summer. Staff does not anticipate near-term banking activity with Metropolitan Water District
Record-low upper basin runoff may force Glen Canyon Dam releases down to 6 million acre-feet as early as May, with California's 440,000 acre-feet conservation share still unresolved. A two-year labor agreement was approved with $0.50 and $0.75/hour raises. CEQA review is advancing, and farmer input on the project description was requested.
Water allocation remains at 20% after a dry March and low snowpack; staff is pushing for a potential 5–9% increase but there is no guarantee. A supplemental water program covering ~203,000 acres is active at an estimated $775–$800/AF, with late applications still accepted. Groundwater data shows uplift from low pumping, though neighboring subsidence may be encroaching.
San Gorgonio Pass Subbasin saw a second year of positive groundwater storage change (~4,000 AF). Directors questioned future supply amid potential growth (Director Gracia referenced ~30,000 homes). Staff reported $9.7M in grants/partnerships since 2020. Draft six-level shortage plan presented; adoption set for June 2, 2026. Board approved SSMP 2026 update.
The board approved returning **$48.4M in surplus fuel and purchased power collections** as summer bill credits (~12% reduction). It also approved the 2026 Summer Savings Initiative, expanding efficiency programs including a new Time-of-Use incentive and school HVAC funding. Staff projected Lake Mead could drop ~20 feet despite record conservation efforts.
