Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board completed a leadership transition with new officers elected, while successfully presenting testimony against the Delta Conveyance Project that could threaten regional water quality and agricultural operations in the area. Current water quality conditions remain favorable with electrical conductivity levels well below contract criteria and most reservoir levels at or above historical averages.
La Niña conditions are developing and expected to peak before year-end, potentially bringing extreme weather swings between dry periods and intense storms that could particularly impact Central Valley and Southern California. Southern California experienced its third driest water year on record with only 25-50% of average precipitation, while the North saw above-average rainfall. Federal budget cuts are reducing critical water monitoring capabilities by up to 30%, affecting stream gauging,..
Water supply reliability projections show increased shortage risks, with probability rising from 5% to 18% by 2045 even under flat demand scenarios due to supply challenges. Staff presented preliminary assessments of two major projects: Pure Water Southern California ($2.7-9.6 billion for recycled water) and Sites Reservoir ($1.7 billion for additional storage capacity). The committee discussed developing themed project portfolios rather than evaluating individual investments separately.
The district unveiled its largest capital budget in recent history at $150+ million for 2026, featuring a $32 million smart meter replacement program and major water infrastructure modernization including canal automation and a new regulating reservoir. Staff reported August electricity demand came in 6.5% below budget due to unusually mild summer temperatures, impacting revenue projections. Key infrastructure projects include ongoing power generation improvements and evaluation of costly...
The board unanimously approved a drought pool pilot program allowing contractors to contribute 12,500 to 25,000 acre feet annually to reduce water call risks during dry periods. Water supply conditions remain strong with 100% Class 1 allocations maintained and healthy reservoir storage levels, while 80,000 acre feet of restoration flows were successfully sold to contractors. The City of Lindsay was approved as a new general member, expanding local government participation in regional water...
