Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Groundwater conditions continue improving with no minimum threshold exceedances recorded and most wells above sustainable management criteria. The initial review meeting for the revised 2025 Groundwater Sustainability Plan went smoothly, with DWR expressing interest in more collaborative engagement. Basin management costs are under discussion, including possible acreage-based components and more targeted use of competitive bidding for technical work.
DWR began reviewing the substantially changed 2025 GSP with a 75-day public comment period, indicating a more interactive process than previous reviews. The State Water Project allocation stands at 30% while the district approved a toll rate study as north toll rates reached their maximum due to rising power costs. Golden mussels were identified in Kern County, prompting immediate outreach to growers to monitor facilities and prevent spread into district canals.
The district imported 11,250 acre-feet of Class II water in January before that run ended February 3rd. Current snowpack at 51% of April 1 average raises the risk of a shortened 3-month delivery season starting in April or May instead of March if no additional precipitation. Invasive golden mussels detected in the Friant-Kern Canal may prompt added monitoring or restrictions on FID's pump-back operations between Kings River and Friant Canal systems.
The board approved $24,000 for a groundwater model update that State Board staff have been pushing for to incorporate recent dry year data. A subsidence management zone study is being developed with a likely per-acre cost split, with details still to be finalized. The district delivered 7,452 acre feet in January and moved its Class II water before the Bureau cut off deliveries early on February 4th due to dry conditions.
The Board approved formation of a Financial and Administrative Systems Ad Hoc Committee to guide the transition toward greater operational independence, with two members serving for nine months. A $536,000 contract amendment was approved to support groundwater monitoring well installation targeted for late February or early March. Recharge feasibility work is advancing, with a potential pilot site on Comanche Creek under active development.
