Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Terra Bella plans a Nov. 1 shutdown for the new canal tie-in and expects to be back online by Feb. 1. The Bureau confirmed TBID will stay at 100% Class 1 this year. Millerton is ~28,000 AF from spilling; any spill would be URF/non-storable and not expected to affect TBID. Lower Tule named a new manager; staff will monitor the exchange arrangement.
The board set the 2026 irrigation water price at $150/AF (vs. ~$190/AF break-even), implying ~$2.4M in reserve support. Staff planned to begin charging May 14 due to a projected Millerton spill; delivery timing varies by location. The board approved Land IQ ET monitoring (~$67,907/yr) and discussed using it initially for measurement (no billing yet discussed).
Metered allocated delivery starts May 18; allocation is projected near ~1.1 AF/AC. The board approved the revised 2026 budget (~$59.4K surplus) and approved signing the Greenleaf EarthTec QZ contract ($15/AF; $20K down payment only if treatment begins). Poplar recharge budget increased to ~$110K. $225K set aside for potential golden mussel treatment. Treatment begins if pump-back resumes or mussels are found. Growers advised to consult their PCA before using treated water on sensitive crops.
Irrigated acreage fell to 109,571 acres, reaching the plan's acreage-based sustainability target ahead of schedule, though demand must still be confirmed against supply. The district anticipates a 30% SWP allocation and limited banking activity, with no non-contract water available this year. Golden mussel detections are spreading; grower notice letters and treatment options are under review.
Surface water supplies are projected to last only through about the first week of July, with roughly 120,000 acre-feet of usable supply remaining at current delivery rates (~2,000 AF/day). The board approved Resolution 2026-01, preserving the option for tax-exempt bond financing and reimbursement of capital expenditures. Board members also discussed preparing a second reverse auction for recharge basin land acquisition, potentially launching this summer.
