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 approved a $35,000 contract for satellite-based ET monitoring that will support field-level water use estimates. One monitoring well site near Ripon’s CNG facility is moving forward, with two more locations under evaluation using $2.1 million in ARPA funds. The Groundwater Authority plans to directly manage groundwater level monitoring after raising data quality concerns with the county program.
Board is actively seeking candidates to fill a vacancy within 60 days before appointment authority transfers to the Board of Supervisors. A planned 15% water rate increase for March 1st is in the Proposition 218 process, with a February public hearing; the average bill impact is expected to be under $10. The Water Authority is evaluating joining an IWPC project that could cost nearly $2 million annually starting in 2026.
An independent investigation into a director's water use on land straddling district boundaries proved inconclusive, with a motion for further attorney-led fact-finding failing 2-2. The board reelected its president 3-1 and appointed a vice president unanimously amid governance concerns. Water storage stands exceptionally strong at 77% capacity at Don Pedro, with MID’s portion just under 400,000 acre-feet, positioning the district well for the 2026 irrigation season.
Board approved the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, authorizing up to 136,000 acres of solar development on retired farmlands with a 10-year phased implementation. Bureau of Reclamation's Action 5 Record of Decision is expected to deliver an average of 85,000 additional acre-feet of water supply annually. District projects ending the water year with a 10,000 acre-feet surplus at the current 55% allocation.
The Board authorized a 25‑year renewable power purchase agreement for a 130‑MW solar plus 130‑MW battery project to help meet state requirements and manage costs. A grower satisfaction survey showed 93.8% overall satisfaction, well above peer benchmarks. Hydrology updates highlighted upcoming storms and modeling that could push Don Pedro to flood control levels by February.
