Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The Board rejected a damage claim exceeding $35,000 from a trip-and-fall incident and forwarded it to liability insurance. The Colorado River Aqueduct shutdown continues for essential maintenance into early 2026. During Director comments, board members discussed ongoing Colorado River allocation negotiations and cited concerns about declining river flows and missed deadlines.
The 2026 irrigation season is set to begin March 12 with a full 48-inch allocation and no cap for in-district growers, with water ordering opening March 11. Hydrology conditions are strong, with significant precipitation forecast to bring snowpack to near-average levels. Staff also reported the Ceres Main canal automated control pilot is ready to go live at season start, with a grower workshop scheduled February 25.
The Board heard feasibility updates on New Seawater Intrusion Project concepts with large storage and pipeline needs and on Castroville intake alternatives relying on Permit 11043 winter flows. Staff clarified no mandatory demand management cutbacks will begin July 1, 2026 and that programs are still being developed. The 180/400 aquifer remains in a Stage 4 severity category.
The Board approved a first reading of an ordinance that would reduce flowmeter accuracy testing frequency for smaller wells (5–10 year intervals vs. the prior 3–5 year schedule). Staff outlined a modeling plan to study how upstream pumping affects streamflow at Foster Park, with work likely extending into mid‑2026. Monitoring showed the basin did not fully recharge in spring 2025, with declining flows and at least one shallow well going dry.
A major storm system forecast for next week could bring up to 12 inches of precipitation, potentially improving allocations expected around February 20th. The board discussed potentially using an informal grace period this year after USPS postmark changes and asked staff to explore credit card and ACH payment options. GSA coordination is advancing on basin‑wide subsidence monitoring and a domestic well‑focused mitigation program.
