Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Board received an update on the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) pilot project, a joint groundwater management initiative in the region. Groundwater allocations for the 2026 water year and the agency’s probationary exclusion conversation with the State Water Resources Control Board were disccussed intensely. The board approved 2026 allocations that steadily reduce transitional yield to prepare for the State's review in 2026.
The Board received an update that State Water Board staff and members unanimously supported returning the Kaweah GSPs to DWR oversight, marking a major milestone for collaborative groundwater management. A one-year agreement was approved for daily evapotranspiration data to help growers manage water use. Staff also reported on a potential 600 acre-foot water purchase and the need for a broader 2026 importation strategy.
The committee voted to recommend a $115.6M contract to rehabilitate Garvey Reservoir's damaged cover and liner, restoring critical system flexibility by summer 2028. Staff presented proposed partnership principles for the Pure Water Southern California program, indicating external partners would pay full project costs while member agencies receive water at melded rates. Field inspections highlighted urgent infrastructure needs for the aging Colorado River Aqueduct system.
DWR set an initial 10% State Water Project allocation, better than recent 5% starts, driven by stronger reservoir storage and with studies showing possible increases later. The Delta Conveyance Project’s preliminary cost estimate has dropped about $1.25 billion (6%) as design work evolves, and key permits and litigation are progressing. Staff also flagged concerns raised in public comment about the Sites Reservoir bid process and will meet with Sites Authority leadership.
The Board approved a budget with about $245,000 in governance revenue and increased partnership investments, including $27,500 for basin-wide grant support and doubled funding for economic analysis. The State Water Resources Control Board recommended against probation and returned jurisdiction to DWR, which expects review to take about a year to 18 months. Emerging critical groundwater pressure requirements may force modifications to sustainability criteria, potentially requiring higher ...
