Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
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.
The committee reviewed a detailed domestic well mitigation program framework with a $35,000 maximum reimbursement per well, though growers requested more time to analyze the documents before taking action. A farm unit reorganization policy was advised to the board, giving growers flexibility in allocating water credits and penalties during property transactions. Staff discussed continuing to offer multiple costly satellite measurement methods given the approximately $430,000 costs for 2025.
The Board unanimously approved a resolution to assign the State Water Project contract from Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to Central Coast Water Authority, representing a significant transfer of water supply management. The Executive Director was granted authority to negotiate and execute all necessary documents to complete the transfer, while the Board also approved an environmental exemption to clear potential regulatory hurdles. This streamlined...
