Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Groundwater models showed 25-30 years of slowly declining levels in Upper Valley and Forebay areas, though several committee members cited field evidence of rising water levels. The consultant stressed that seawater intrusion along an approximately 11-mile coastal stretch must be addressed within the 2040 SGMA timeframe. Discussion continued over integrated valley-wide planning versus focusing resources on the most impacted areas.
The Board approved a capped authorization of up to $250,000 for environmental review work to support potential on-farm conservation programs beyond fallowing. Colorado River negotiations were described as stalled and contentious, with serious concerns about Lake Powell dropping toward power pool levels. California's 440,000 acre-foot conservation commitment may lead to future requests for PVID participation, with figures like 10,000–30,000 AF discussed but not decided.
The district expects initial water allocations of 15-25% in late February, with potential to reach 50% if precipitation continues, while an outdated Port Chicago regulation led to about 35,000 acre-feet in export cuts and could have caused far larger storage impacts. The approved 2026-2027 budget reduces O&M rates to $42.02 per acre-foot and land charges to $21.89 per acre. The board also approved a subsidence policy and advanced clean energy infrastructure planning.
The College Lake Water Treatment Plant is delivering water and provided 670 acre-feet during its 2025 testing phase. Director Amy Newell announced she will not seek re-election when her current four-year term ends in November of this year. Two new supplemental wells are being brought online, with Well 4 already operating and Well 3 agreements approved for engineering, construction support, and site electrical work.
The board directed staff to proceed with shutting down Well #1 and purchasing water from Millview, aiming to improve water quality and avoid a roughly $50,000 manganese filtration system. A $46,180 contract was approved to replace 360 feet of sewer line on Moore Street Bridge. Staff clarified bills now show due in 10 days but are not past due until 30 days under state law.
