Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Staff reported a record 8,024 acre-feet diverted at the Salinas River Diversion Facility and a goal of keeping supplemental-well use below 10% on an annual average. The committee approved its July 30 minutes and recommended continuing the Interim Operations Plan with an 80 CFS steelhead passage target. A consultant reviewed differing storage and withdrawal limits for Nacimiento and San Antonio.
The committee approved its April 16, 2026, minutes and reviewed Pure Water Silicon Valley, planned to deliver up to 24,000 acre-feet of purified water annually by 2035. A June 2026 poll found 52% support for the project after a brief description, rising to 58% with more information. Staff outlined outreach and competitive grants, including an unsuccessful $25 million state request. Chair Tony Estremera said term limits made this his final committee meeting.
The board approved golden mussel treatment in the Friant-Kern Canal. Staff said local emergency declarations do not qualify for the emergency funding discussed. A strong El Niño outlook raised the prospect of flood-management actions by mid-January, while two canal pools are slated to remain dewatered through January for construction. Phase 1 work continues; the Phase 2A bid date is November 10, with a December award targeted.
At its October 29 meeting, the Desert Water Agency Executive Committee reviewed a regional water-management MOU restatement removing Valley Sanitary District and a proposed Palm Springs East No. 2 reservoir maintenance contract award for the November 3 board agenda. The committee did not advance a request for board compensation and approval of a travel date for the November 19 Southern California Water Coalition dinner, citing comparable benefits from existing associations.
On Oct. 29, the State Water Resources Control Board considered Bay-Delta Plan amendments and a final staff report. The proposed plan pairs a default 55% unimpaired-flow regulatory pathway, subject to adjustments, with a Healthy Rivers and Landscapes alternative. Water agencies raised supply concerns; tribal, fishing and environmental speakers opposed the alternative. Members sought language on tribal engagement, local solutions, science governance and Trinity River protections.
