Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board addressed significant groundwater modeling issues after discovering stream flow measurements were taken up to 1,400 feet from official gauge locations, requiring extensive model recalibration. Three major work orders totaling $238,573 were approved for critical compliance activities including modeling support, required 5-year evaluation, and annual reporting. Additionally, amendments to the joint powers agreement were approved to change voting requirements from unanimous to...
A brackish groundwater restoration project is moving forward with an injection-only approach that treats and injects brackish water back into aquifers to create a seawater intrusion barrier. Seawater intrusion monitoring has intensified due to elevated chloride levels, with water quality testing planned for 2025 and potential corrective actions including relocating wells inland. An interagency working group is developing a management framework for deep aquifers, including data sharing...
The federal government shutdown is creating operational challenges with limited services after October 17th if no budget compromise is reached. The Board approved a major $1.39 million infrastructure upgrade project for the O'Neill Pumping/Generating Plant and a $110,000 contract for comprehensive rebranding and communications strategy development. These decisions come as water storage conditions remain strong at 120% of average levels across the region.
The board approved significant water and wastewater rate increases for 2026 following a comprehensive rate study, with a public hearing scheduled for December. A $45 million federal WIFIA loan for critical infrastructure projects remains on track despite potential delays from the government shutdown. Additionally, a proposed pipeline project to send treatment plant backwash water for dust control has generated community controversy due to widespread misinformation about its purpose.
The Board approved a major overhaul of the water banking system, reducing previously banked water credits to just 53% of historical amounts due to basin losses, while implementing a new Water Accounting System. Staff announced plans to update the Groundwater Sustainability Plan by early 2027, potentially revising groundwater level thresholds as some western areas have exceeded current limits. Agricultural water use accounts for two-thirds of the basin's 303,000 annual acre-feet of...
