Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Several irrigation districts requested a 30‑day extension of the Aqua Terra Water Bank environmental review comment period, citing need for groundwater model access to assess potential impacts. The meter installation program has reached its halfway point, distributing $1.2 million in rebates for 700 wells with 300 more in progress. MAGSA received regional recognition for advocacy work, and member received an individual advocacy award.
Board approved transferring $2.8 million from next fiscal year into the current budget for a major water transmission pipeline project expected to reach 90% completion by Mid 2026. After lengthy federal delays, $11.2 million in Army Corps funding was finally available for the Copper Cove Wastewater Project, allowing design and environmental work to keep moving. The board also expanded its leak adjustment policy to allow customers a second adjustment within five years.
The Board approved a new 2026 pay structure with five field job classifications and step-based scales, adding about $97,800 to the budget and targeting roughly a 10% increase for field staff. A reverse auction land acquisition program was authorized, with staff to finalize terms, and a $498,000 contract was awarded to GEI Consultants for a canal capacity study using LIDAR and field work.
Authority is expanding its groundwater monitoring network with approximately 6 additional well projects to address identified data gaps, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. South Delta region is facing serious water quality and supply challenges, and a monitoring data inventory found minor 2024 gaps that have been located and will be uploaded for state reporting.
Board received updates on California's largest agricultural recycled water project, which will deliver up to 50,000 acre-feet annually starting in 2027. A new concept was presented for a multipurpose recharge basin at a gravel pit that could capture high-flow stormwater to help address the basin's modeled 6,200 AFY groundwater deficit. Groundwater Sustainability Plan 2027 periodic evaluation is underway with a January 2027 deadline and must address four corrective actions.
