Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Kaweah snowpack measured 71% of March 1st average; NOAA runoff scenarios as low as 26–38%. Staff showed wide-range summer supply scenarios (3 weeks to a couple months) but stressed it is too early to commit. Board authorized proceeding with the office remodel/annex plan (ballpark ~$1.2M) pending bids and design refinement. Spring groundwater averaged 170 ft, about 4 ft lower than last spring, though decline is moderating.
A 42-inch uncapped allocation was approved for the 2026 irrigation season, qualifying it as a Groundwater Replenishment Program year. The season opens March 11 with a tentative close of October 23, subject to review. Snowpack sits at 54% of the April 1 average, with possible early tapering of inflows; a dry scenario could significantly draw down reservoir levels by season's end.
Public urged full $150M for Pure Water SoCal and flagged budget options that could reduce it. A calendar-year 2027–2028 rate hearing opened and closed with no staff presentation or figures. GM Deshmukh said Met submitted Colorado River draft EIS comments by the March 3 deadline and an interstate transfer info item will come in April.
Water supply looks about average, but run timing is uncertain due to below-normal snowpack. The district previously eliminated the 2026 transitional groundwater allocation to address subsidence, and ratified cost-sharing for two sub-basin subsidence efforts. Water rates and run timing were deferred until the next meeting when the full board is present. Full-year 2025 ET was ~249,000 AF (~7,000–7,500 below the 2021–2025 average).
Well-registration enforcement changes to the Rules and Regulations were approved, tying compliance to Tier 1/Tier 2 carryover and transfer eligibility and allowing potential penalties. Subsidence management areas are in development, with staff/consultant aiming to bring a draft to TAC and potentially the board in coming meetings. A voluntary surface-water credit retirement concept was discussed but not approved and will remain on the agenda.
