Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The Board approved up to $2 million for golden mussel treatment, which could add roughly $30 per acre in O&M charges if fully used. The State Water Project allocation increased to 30%, though DWR's 99% exceedance study showed it could be as low as 13%. A $120,000 sole-source contract was approved to replace the district's aging water database system.
The district will experience a planned power shutdown this Saturday, with backup generators maintaining operations. The water supply outlook is strong with 3,048 acre feet of current carryover (1,435 TBID, 1,613 Lower Tule) and an anticipated initial Class 1 allocation around 60 percent that could be higher depending on storms. A draft 2026 budget and water rates were approved for 45 day public review, with draft rates currently showing decreases while final rates await updated ...
The basin remains sustainable with groundwater levels above minimum thresholds in 91% of wells and extractions well below sustainable yield. The Harvest Water Project is on track to provide up to 50,000 acre-feet annually of recycled water starting in 2027. The board discussed Sloughhouse RCD's withdrawal as a GSA and signaled support for SCGA eventually assuming management of the affected area through boundary adjustments.
The district conducted significant winter recharge operations, bringing in roughly 16,000 acre-feet of Class 2 water before releases stopped, and discussed a possible 40% Class 1 allocation based on early snow data. Local landowners signaled plans to present an alternative bypass-based recharge concept that they believe could be more cost-effective than permanent recharge basins.
The board is moving forward with a new daily ET monitoring tool, giving growers more frequent ET and precipitation data tied to their water budgets. Staff presented a draft policy framework for permanent landowner recharge facilities with an 80/20 benefit split. The district is monitoring invasive golden mussels and watching west side treatment trials before pursuing similar actions.
