Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Preliminary data indicate the agency is below its 2025 groundwater reduction target, at about 149,000 acre-feet of consumptive use versus a 163,795 acre-foot target, after preliminary adjustments for cover cropping, fallowing, and surface water. A new surface water credit split policy was reviewed and staff will refine it and bring a draft to the Board. The committee reviewed 14 incentivized fallowing applications and discussed a conservative first-year funding level.
The board approved a 0.3 acre-feet per acre Class 2 water allocation at $55/AF for immediate use through February 2026, critical for securing next year's Class 1 supply. Multiple ditch company contracts expiring in 2026 require legal review to determine maintenance obligations for deteriorated diversion structures. Financial performance exceeded budget with $4.5M in year-to-date net revenues, driven by recharge water sales.
The District will reconsider its shift to electronic newsletters after feedback showed many customers prefer hard copies, with summer editions likely reverting to broader paper distribution. A grower meeting is scheduled for February 5th at 9:00 AM to discuss operations and answer questions. Water supply stands strong at 139% of average for the San Joaquin River Index, positioning the District well for the upcoming irrigation season.
The Board approved extending the out-of-district water sales program with a one-year credit rollover for 2025 unused minimums, addressing infrastructure constraints while the program delivered over 12,000 acre-feet generating $2.6 million. Directors also voted to adopt a groundwater management plan requiring 25% reduction in non-district areas over five years and a $300,000 well mitigation fund, while the Paulsell Lateral Phase 1 upgrade nears completion ahead of schedule.
Board discussed an offer from Arvin Edison for Class 2 water and directed staff to prioritize using the available 16,000 acre‑feet for in‑district recharge to address overdraft concerns, rather than selling it now. Multiple recharge ponds are nearing completion to handle incoming water. The Board also approved the 2025 GSP Annual Report, with costs expected to be under the $96,000 budget.
