Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board discussed adopting satellite-based water monitoring technology to better track agricultural water use, with an estimated annual cost of $30,000-$35,000. The proposed 2026 budget shows a 9.4% increase to $427,000, primarily driven by expanded technical consulting needs and regulatory requirements. Staff is also considering establishing an internal groundwater monitoring network to supplement existing county monitoring efforts, as groundwater levels aren't rebounding as expected...
The board addressed a 10,000-acre-foot water storage accounting discrepancy that requires urgent resolution with the county water agency. They reviewed an attractive bond financing proposal from Fifth Third Bank that could save over $600,000 in underwriting costs by holding district bonds directly in their portfolio. Their Groundwater Sustainability Plan is nearing completion, with only minor monitoring requirements remaining before state transfer.
The board approved releasing a groundwater allocation policy for 45-day public comment, establishing 1.43 acre-feet per acre for sustainable yield plus declining transitional water through 2040. Farmers exceeding allocations face $500 per acre-foot penalties and reduced future allocations. The sustainable yield calculation is based on a 36% share of the subbasin's total 350,000 acre-feet capacity.
The groundwater management agencies hired EKI as their new primary consultant to replace the previous firm and help with annual reports and implementation, with extensive data requests currently being compiled. Self Help Enterprises was contracted to implement the well mitigation program for failing domestic wells, using five-year forgivable loans with 40% of replacement wells typically requiring water quality treatment. Fall water level measurements scheduled for early November will...
The groundwater management agencies hired EKI as their new primary consultant to replace the previous firm and help with annual reports and implementation, with extensive data requests currently being compiled. Self Help Enterprises was contracted to implement the well mitigation program for failing domestic wells, using five-year forgivable loans with 40% of replacement wells typically requiring water quality treatment. Fall water level measurements scheduled for early November will...
