Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Basin conditions remain strong with groundwater levels recovered to pre-drought elevations and sustainability criteria met for WY2025. Extraction fees are increasingly burdening agricultural users, who now pay about three-quarters of costs based on pumping levels, and staff may bring a Prop 218/extraction-fee policy discussion at a future meeting (potentially April). Staff also canceled planned water budget modeling, reducing future consulting costs.
Water demand continues to decline and is largely price-inelastic (10% rate increase reduces demand ~2%). The study estimated ~37,000 households may face unaffordable bills. No formal action was taken; staff will gather more information on assistance programs (retailers and Sacred Heart) and may return to the committee.
State staff recommended denying Tule Subbasin exclusion requests; PID plans public comments ahead of the April 7 State Board meeting and related staff discussions. Growers must register wells and use GEARS before May 1, 2026. The Board approved a resolution continuing the ETGSA 2024 Amended GSP and 2024 Coordination Agreement as PID’s interim program.
Board approved the Well Mitigation Policy: up to $40,000 for a replacement domestic well and $10,000 for one-time water quality treatment, supported by a planned $1.5M reserve. Geosyntec reported State Water Board staff recommended denying eight Tule subbasin fee-exclusion requests; hearing is April 21. Coordination was emphasized.
Major leak near Coyote Valley Casino is losing over 100,000 gallons monthly and may require costly deep repairs. Lake Mendocino is steady around 87,000 acre-feet; staff are confident supply is adequate despite no rain forecast. Grant well closeout continues after a missed $332,850 invoice; project still needs PG&E power, DDW steps, test pumping, and site work. Board approved a 50/50 lawsuit cost-share MOU amendment.
