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Water ops looked strong: Oroville near capacity (~3.38 MAF) and Folsom nearly full (~958 TAF), with Jones potentially increasing from 4 to 5 units if available. Golden mussels are in a spawning boom; growers were asked to report sightings and also report if pipes are clear. April hydrology significantly improved conditions: precipitation at 180% of normal.

Board gave consensus direction to use Option 1 (system-wide) for proposed water capacity fees. Proposed fees discussed: wastewater $25,388/EDU, treated retail water $26,776/EMU, and treated wholesale water $21,085/EMU (all not yet adopted; public notice/approval required). Board also supported transferring Pine Grove cell-tower lease revenue to the County for park maintenance as part of the Pine Grove CSD reorganization (LAFCO) process.

Water deliveries are nearing maximum capacity, with possible short-term wait lists as compressed demand follows mid-season rains. The board approved updates to the Operations & Maintenance Policy, clarifying point of delivery/use definitions and private lateral responsibilities. Staff reported draft Category 5 lateral agreements were mailed to affected landowners with a 14-day review window before signing.

North Kern (~2,000 AF) supplemental water may be offered pro‑rata once pricing is finalized (letter pending). Deliveries are currently ~1.6 AF/acre, but landowners were notified to plan on 1.5 AF/acre due to a Buena Vista payback from a 2023 spill; the final allowable amount may change. Staff will research white‑area demand management options used by neighboring districts and report back.

Groundwater consumption fees for 2026 were approved at $167.20/AF for the transitional tier. The resolution reinstates a one-for-one future-year allocation reduction for exceedances. District staff relayed that SWRCB is developing an interim plan that could include allocation limits or a moratorium if coordination fails by end of 2027.