Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The GSA will no longer allocate water or charge extraction fees starting in 2026, as all founding member agencies have formed their own exclusive GSAs. A comprehensive Land Subsidence Management Plan was presented with major revisions including an expanded management area, extraction-based allocations, and mandatory well metering. Critical groundwater level thresholds must rise significantly to reduce the risk of exceeding the 3‑foot subsidence limit near the Friant‑Kern Canal by 2040
The district is facing cash flow strain with nearly $2M in grant reimbursements from DWR taking about six months. Tehama’s draft well mitigation program proposes a $40,000 cap with a 40‑year depreciation schedule, drawing concern over older wells. Glenn’s regional program with Colusa is still being finalized. Tehama’s three‑part demand management concept would delay stricter fees until 2031; Glenn is about a year behind.
The committee discussed two options for recalculating groundwater minimum thresholds and agreed staff should analyze both before any changes, with agricultural members stressing data-driven justification. A possible domestic well mitigation program drew questions on scope, funding, and liability. Public comment highlighted transfer proposals totaling about 467,000 acre-feet per year. Staff will return in spring 2026 with MT calculations.
The Board voted to withdraw from the Salton Sea Authority and refocus efforts on the Salton Sea Conservancy for managing habitat restoration and air quality projects. Water conservation programs are performing strongly, though the 2026 fallowing program may be cut in half without additional federal funding, with staff estimating these efforts could add 2–3 feet to Lake Mead's elevation if fully funded.
The Kaweah Groundwater Subbasin was returned to DWR jurisdiction after its three GSAs resolved or substantially resolved key deficiencies in their sustainability plans, demonstrating effective collaboration and establishing a robust mitigation program to protect domestic well users and critical infrastructure. Significant implementation challenges remain, including addressing a structural groundwater deficit by 2040 and managing ongoing subsidence near the Friant-Kern Canal.
