Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Precipitation to date is around average thanks to early winter storms, but snowpack is only 57% of normal, creating operational challenges. Don Pedro is about 5,000 acre-feet below its flood control space, so additional releases may be needed if a wetter forecast materializes. If warm, dry conditions persist, early irrigation demand is expected while main canal drops 7 and 8 remain out of service for about 2–3 more weeks.
A groundwater allocation policy became active January 1, 2026, setting a 28,000 acre-feet annual limit split between sustainable and transitional yield. About 23,000 acres were classified as irrigated using DWR/Land IQ data and grower surveys. The district will read meters and bill for 2025 use and future pumping, and landowners are asked to review allocation packets and submit corrections.
The Board approved a crane system investment exceeding the $100,000 formal bid threshold for the auto shop to improve operational efficiency and safety. They authorized the formal surplus process for a property parcel that requires shopping to agencies and government entities before sale. Staff presented the 2025 Agricultural Water Management Plan showing over 800,000 acre-feet contributed to groundwater aquifers over 20 years.
The Bureau of Reclamation approved the Sites Reservoir project, completing a critical environmental review milestone for California's water storage needs. State Water Project allocation increased to 30 percent, above the 20 percent staff expected, providing significant additional water supply. A catastrophic polyethylene service line failure at the airport exposed mapping issues, prompting investigation into detection methods for remaining unidentified lines.
The District faces below-average snowpack at 57% of normal despite near-average precipitation, with early rainfall creating flood control concerns and potential for an early irrigation season if dry conditions persist. Main Canal drops 7 and 8 are undergoing complete reconstruction for 2-3 weeks, with system preparation targeted for completion within three weeks. A renewable energy prepay transaction is drawing strong market interest and may support more stable future power costs.
