Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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DOC feedback requested clearer region-specific goals and multi-benefit strategy descriptions; projects can proceed while the plan is finalized, tentatively by spring 2026. The project application priority deadline was extended to January 30, 2026 due to limited submissions. DOC indicated not all individual projects must benefit disadvantaged communities, and Westlands is still considering how to apply this.
Board appointed Tamara Johnson to fill the Division 4 vacancy, citing her 40+ years of municipal and industrial water management experience alongside strong agricultural candidates. Leadership reported on strengthening relationships with state water officials, including DWR Director Nemeth, who acknowledged receiving monthly allocation objections. A strategic planning process will launch in January with member unit outreach, targeting Board review by July.
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.
