Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The district reported having 340,000 acre-feet of water supply remaining after using 503,000 acre-feet through August, while CVP allocation remains at 55%. A major pipeline failure at Pleasant Valley Pumping Plant flooded the facility with 5 feet of water, requiring emergency repairs and highlighting the need for improved automated controls. Staff presented solar power cost analysis showing significant 10-year savings through PERPA conversion and White Pine proposals compared to current PG&E rates.
The district welcomed a new Customer Service Supervisor who has already improved staff morale and customer service operations. Major infrastructure progress continued with 13 active construction projects adding over 2 miles of water main and 1.5 miles of sewer main, plus 300 new service connections. The board received financial recognition for excellence in reporting and approved significant budget amendments including a $5.4 million rollover for tank project completion.
The committee discussed finalizing groundwater allocation rules for 2026, developing domestic well mitigation programs, and responding to new state requirements for subsidence monitoring. Growers need to be aware of upcoming deadlines for allocation opt-ins and alternative water source reporting.
The board addressed ongoing challenges with state oversight exclusion hearing delays and low well registration compliance while approving a promising groundwater banking feasibility study. Key operational updates included water delivery reports and equipment purchases, with continued focus on subsidence management around the Friant-Kern Canal.
The board approved a domestic well mitigation program and presented preliminary fee estimates of $19 per acre and $15 per acre-foot, with a Proposition 218 election planned for 2026. The GSA faces significant financial challenges with negative cash flow and needs sustainable funding to avoid state intervention.
