Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The board approved a $976,300 contract with EKI Environment and Water to implement the Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan, choosing them over Todd Groundwater due to 30% lower costs and innovative optional services. The contract includes enhanced implementation support through optional services totaling $243,000, featuring a public dashboard for tracking progress and grant application assistance. A smooth transition from the previous consultant is planned, with proper data...
The board reviewed land repurposing program compliance, noting nine of 14 participants to the non-watering agreement showed water use due to monitoring anomalies, not actual irrigation, and granted waivers. Two appeals seeking irrigated agriculture designations were unanimously denied for lacking required infrastructure. The board also approved a $2M contract for converting 150 acres of almonds into native grassland with a 50-year deed restriction under the state’s multi-benefit land...
The Board approved a $90 million Phase 1 scope for critical canal subsidence repairs, with federal funding being pursued to avoid potential cost-sharing obligations for member agencies. A planned maintenance outage at O'Neill Forebay from October 6-25 will significantly reduce pumping capacity during a critical water delivery period. The Authority continues pursuing $1 billion in federal infrastructure funding, though allocation decisions remain uncertain with timeline extending to October...
The agency is accelerating into "ludicrous speed" with 15 critical decisions required in 2025-2026, including major project selections for addressing seawater intrusion and groundwater overdraft by fall 2025. A water efficiency program targeting rural residents showed limited reach with only 144 survey responses despite extensive social media outreach. Key feasibility studies for brackish groundwater restoration, demand management frameworks, and canal alternatives are all scheduled to...
The County is advancing multiple groundwater pumping reduction programs, including a pilot water tracking app and vineyard replanting incentives. A new recharge feasibility study is analyzing three scenarios for water storage and conservation, with results expected in November. Stream flow monitoring shows that 10% pumping reductions near waterways could significantly increase low flows and reduce stream depletion, while new stream gauges will improve monitoring capabilities.
