Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
A new special committee, formed in December 2025 and now holding its first meeting, focuses on agricultural and tribal partnerships, recognizing these communities as integral stakeholders rather than occasional partners. The district manages over 30,000 acres of farmland, yet a public commenter noted that few water efficiency incentive programs exist for the 10,000+ farms within the service area. The committee will identify partnership opportunities for mutual benefits in water reliability...
The committee elected new leadership and reviewed progress on a desalination feasibility study evaluating surface water intakes at three bay locations and facilities ranging from 10–40 MGD capacity, with brine management options under review. Multiple conservation measures for Anderson Dam’s seismic retrofit are advancing, including temperature-control chillers by summer 2026 and the Ogier Ponds project separating 1.2 miles of Coyote Creek from gravel ponds by 2032.
The board discussed a potential legal counsel transition that would maintain current rates while expanding the water law team. All three Kaweah Sub-basin GSPs have been submitted to DWR, starting a 75-day public comment period. A Prop 218 rate study is in progress, with a preliminary range of about $3–$25 per acre and a draft expected next month.
The board was notified that a cash call will likely be needed next month with current funds at $79,000 and $36,000 in bills due. The managers committee met with Provost & Pritchard about a potential demand management fee structure scope, with a proposal expected at the February meeting. East Side Water Management Area reported being one signature away from moving its district formation forward, with final formation expected in 6–9 months.
The Anderson Dam chiller plant is substantially complete after major delays, with completion now expected by August 2026 and about $5 million in contractor overhead over the extended schedule, prompting a planned $2.5 million contingency increase to be taken to the full Board. Staff recommended a vortex weir design for the Moffett Drop Structure fish ladder, estimated at $5–6 million with construction targeted for summer 2028.
