Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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District-wide chemical treatment of golden mussels began with 79 totes deployed across 12 injection sites, after settling plates revealed new juvenile mussels growing even in cold conditions. Water supply remains uncertain; wells were started at 100 cfs and staff said proration is not recommended yet but should be revisited in 30–45 days as allocations may be reduced due to weak snowpack. Long-time Director Edwin Camp resigned after 38 years of service, including 13 years as board president.
Well registration is moving toward mandatory enforcement, with two public workshops scheduled April 6 and April 21 before any formal board action. The fallow field policy amendment was discussed for rework after unresolved questions about cover crop water use and the definition of fallow. A multi-agency water banking feasibility report is expected in April, with a potential special board meeting.
Kaweah snowpack measured 71% of March 1st average; NOAA runoff scenarios as low as 26–38%. Staff showed wide-range summer supply scenarios (3 weeks to a couple months) but stressed it is too early to commit. Board authorized proceeding with the office remodel/annex plan (ballpark ~$1.2M) pending bids and design refinement. Spring groundwater averaged 170 ft, about 4 ft lower than last spring, though decline is moderating.
A 42-inch uncapped allocation was approved for the 2026 irrigation season, qualifying it as a Groundwater Replenishment Program year. The season opens March 11 with a tentative close of October 23, subject to review. Snowpack sits at 54% of the April 1 average, with possible early tapering of inflows; a dry scenario could significantly draw down reservoir levels by season's end.
Public urged full $150M for Pure Water SoCal and flagged budget options that could reduce it. A calendar-year 2027–2028 rate hearing opened and closed with no staff presentation or figures. GM Deshmukh said Met submitted Colorado River draft EIS comments by the March 3 deadline and an interstate transfer info item will come in April.
