Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The board approved a one-time 25% increase in member dues to fund consultant work responding to DWR questions on the GSP update and periodic evaluation, with responses due Oct. 1. The board also approved an updated domestic well mitigation program, opening a six-month claims window for post-2015 well failures backed by a $200,000 fund.
Staff reported the current effective district allocation is ~67% and that early returns allowed recovery wells to be shut off. Golden mussel treatments in the 850 canal are costing more than the ~$315k estimate but remain under the $2M authorization. Staff presented a ~$12.3M 2025 final accounting adjustment and discussed carryover with San Luis projected above 90%.
The board discussed whether to continue copper-based mussel treatment through October; members leaned toward continuing, and staff described positive early results and plans to bring operations in-house next year. The FY 2025 audit was approved with an unqualified opinion and ~$14.5M working capital. Staff also reviewed El Niño outlook information and ongoing recharge maintenance.
Staff said they were told a subsidence management plan is needed by December or the state could impose a pumping moratorium along the subsidence corridor. Porterville and Saucelito discussed recharge/banking policy updates. M&I deliveries were the lowest in ~15 years; the annual estimate dropped from 1,500 to 1,350, with ~7,500–7,700 AF remaining to reach the Nov. 1 shutdown.
Staff reported progress in subsidence talks with DWR, including DWR's reaction to modeling that could show subsidence after 2040. The board approved a semi-annual cost-sharing invoice totaling about $688,000, split three ways (~$230,000 each). Staff said the State Water Board is expected to release a Phase Two scientific basis report Aug. 18 on Sacramento-Delta flows affecting surface water and recharge.
