Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Wastewater capacity fees in the La Contenta service area were raised from $15,902 to $21,719 per single-family connection to fund $23.4M in plant improvements. A new developer deposit fee structure was adopted, collecting upfront percentages of infrastructure value for plan review and inspections. The Board also approved its first five-year Capital Improvement Plan covering critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects, with funding gaps in years three through five.
A draft Las Posas BOYS was introduced: a basin-wide ramp-down may not be needed if two projects proceed, projecting ~36,860 AFY, including ~3,140 AFY imported water and an Arroyo Simi acquisition assumption. WY 2025 was a critical dry year with higher pumping and lower levels. Watermaster is pursuing >$70,000 in WY 2024 delinquencies; 3 WY 2023 accounts still owe ~$3,144 plus fees.
A feasibility study found little to no additional wastewater effluent available for new recycled water projects during peak summer demand, with supply growth estimated 10–15 years away. Brown and Caldwell/staff identified near-term system improvements (storage, pumping, pipelines) as the preferred project for the Title 16 feasibility study. Separately, an Amazon data center project was reported, with Amazon funding pipeline and storage expansion that will double current storage capacity.
Two surface-water options to offset pumping were presented: South Vina Extension (~6,970 AFY) and Ridge to Valley (1,500–3,500 AFY), with delivered costs discussed at ~$300–$425/AF vs. $60–$80/AF pumping. Demand reduction work highlighted extended orchard replacement and small-farm precision irrigation. Lindo Channel work suggested ~20–100 AF/day of added recharge when flow occurs.
Draft Forebay/Arroyo Seco Cone fees are expected to be similar to last year, possibly slightly lower. A speaker warned fee-setting may not follow the 2021 coordination agreement, risking liability for both GSAs. Weeks relayed analysis tying modest long-term declines to reduced recharge, not pumping, and noted thresholds might not be reached until about the 2070s. Staff will bring a proposed fee-engagement process next month.
