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 unanimously approved a pilot groundwater extraction fee program that will charge growers for pumping above set thresholds, aiming to reduce the district's water use by 11.4%, or 30,000-40,000 acre feet, annually. They consider satellite-based monitoring systems, IrriWatch or Land IQ, rather than physical well meters to track usage. Additionally, the Board approved redesigning a recharge pond to increase capacity from 25 to 50 acre feet.
The district is evaluating a 4-megawatt natural gas power generation project that could reduce electricity costs from 28-29 cents per kilowatt hour to 9-10 cents, with a 3.5-year payback period. Water rates for 2026 were reduced, with State Water Project charges dropping to $87/AFt. The board approved a conservative 2026 budget projecting an $8.2 million loss based on a worst-case scenario of 50% water allocation and no banking activity.
The board approved a 5-year contract for weather forecasting services to improve water management decisions. They also authorized a major pipeline relocation project at Highway 43, for which Caltrans funds over $2 million. Additionally, they approved hiring a replacement for the retiring Operations Manager with a planned 9-10 month overlap period to ensure knowledge transfer of over 4 decades of institutional experience.
California's water year 2025 showed mixed results with above-average precipitation in the north but dry conditions in the south, while officials prepare for uncertain La Niña weather patterns in 2026. Groundwater management continues improving under state regulations with 9,000 new monitoring sites, though land subsidence remains a concern. New proposed manganese health standards could require treatment upgrades for approximately 1,000 public water systems, particularly affecting...
The board approved a 7% water rate increase for 2026 despite receiving 726 protest votes (24% of parcels), falling short of the threshold needed to block the increase. Agricultural operators testified about ongoing financial struggles, with several reporting no profits in over five years and operating at losses. The district also addressed infrastructure and service issues, including water interruptions and maintenance concerns raised by farmers during the public comment period.
