Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board addressed low well registration rates and significant ground subsidence that could trigger pumping restrictions, while developing costly water quality monitoring programs under state pressure. Key decisions included maintaining current leadership, postponing registration penalties, and continuing budget discussions for preliminary $21 per acre-foot pumping fees.
The quarterly joint meeting with the Ballico Cortez Water District focused primarily on a major pipeline project progressing to deliver water to the cone of depression area and the implementation of GSA water use fee billing requiring deposits by August 11th. Replenishment water usage has increased dramatically with new infrastructure projects and coordination efforts being emphasized for future landowner developments.
The board discussed strong water supply conditions with balanced allocations and significantly reduced groundwater pumping demonstrating successful groundwater management. Key focus areas included implementing federal executive orders for increased water supply and launching new science initiatives to challenge regulatory restrictions on water deliveries.
The board approved a regional water banking feasibility study and reduced 2025 water allocations due to updated overdraft calculations, while moving forward with collection procedures for unpaid groundwater fees. Multiple implementation projects are progressing including domestic well mitigation and mandatory well registration requirements.
The committee received positive news that State Water Resources Control Board staff is developing a report to recommend moving the subbasin to DWR oversight, expected for a November 4th hearing. The committee also approved 2026 water allocations with no changes from 2025 levels and discussed significant budget increases through a proposed Proposition 218 land-based assessment that could raise rates from $7.45 to as much as $27 per acre maximum.