Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The coordinated Kings River irrigation run is planned to start May 15 for ~75 days; April 1 supply was mid-40%. People's Ditch start timing was discussed as potentially end-of-May/early-June, with Last Chance typically starting about a week later. GM search continues, with full-board interviews planned for May 15. The Apex Water Bank was described as state-recognized. The interim management subcommittee recommended the Apex Ranch lessee pay a ~$20,000 GEARs bill.
The board approved a ~$1.5M FY 2026-27 budget, cutting ~$650K from the draft by deferring most model-improvement studies. The board also approved its formal response to DWR's GSP review, stating nitrate and arsenic conditions will be reviewed annually in annual reports and mitigation evaluated if conditions change. Staff were directed to begin early-stage assessments (Steps 1–3) of two properties showing significant pumping increases outside the Central Management Area.
Committee voted to recommend mandatory well registration for ag/industrial wells (generally >2 AFY) and directed staff to clarify language (domestic/retired wells intended as optional; info to best ability). Oct. 31, 2026 was discussed as a target deadline; noncompliance discussion included zeroing Tier 1/Tier 2. Updated fallowed field and dedicated recharge basin policies were recommended to the board.
Snowpack is well below average with drought conditions returning, though local reservoirs remain near capacity. The Domestic Well Mitigation Program holds ~$2.7M in reserves; directors said summer data (July–Sept) is needed before any reassessment of the GSP fee. A new Summary of Rules booklet covering 2026–2040 allocations and program updates will be mailed to growers this month.
2026 snowpack is tracking as the worst or second worst on record; Reclamation is cutting Powell releases by 1.5 million acre-feet, likely accelerating Mead's decline. A short-term lower basin bridge proposal submitted last Friday awaits a federal Record of Decision by late July. Salton Sea exposed playa reached 43,190 acres; dust controls cover ~72% of emissions. The board adopted the final Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Red Hill Bay BACM project.
