Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board discussed the implementation of a previously approved 15 percent water rate increase effective March 1st, created a uniform water usage rate, and noted the average bill impact is about seven dollars monthly. Director Ross was appointed to the regional Water Authority board, and staff reported on the long-term Potter Valley Project and Coyote Dam discussions.
The Board approved $1.1 million in well maintenance work and noted that Chrome 6 in the region is naturally occurring, not industrial. A contract amendment for IT services was also approved, increasing the scope to $259,616 with partial grant funding. Solar facility repairs are moving forward with bidding, with a contract award expected in March.
The Board approved a $360,000 pilot program to replace or connect four dry domestic wells to address groundwater overdraft impacts. They also adopted a revised well mitigation policy with new eligibility requirements including one-year ownership minimums and payback provisions for property sales. State staff pressed for land subsidence BMP compliance that is likely to increase costs and may affect the timeline for the GSA's exit from probation.
The South American Subbasin remains in excellent condition with no undesirable results, adding 7,000 acre-feet of storage in the past year while staying well below sustainable yield. The first five-year SGMA periodic evaluation is underway with a draft targeted by the end of June. Recharge at Rooney has resumed after pump work, with operations continuing as long as flows remain adequate.
The committee reviewed the timeline for the 2027 Groundwater Sustainability Plan periodic evaluation and a planned amendment that will use the first five years of implementation data. The Board accepted a Demand Management Framework, with no immediate implementation; staff will develop one mandatory allocation measure for severely impacted deep aquifer areas and three voluntary programs for a future fiscal year. Staff also reported that the well registration program offers free ...
