Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Staff reported draft responses to DWR comments on the GSP five-year update are circulating among GSAs ahead of an October 1 deadline; an adverse finding could risk basin probation. Staff also reported the GWA approved a $167,000 budget increase for consultant response work and that the GWA dry-well mitigation program was adopted and has received its first application.
A groundwater banking study with Metropolitan Water District is underway to assess potential banking areas Valley-wide, with a draft assessment expected by April. The Unified Water Plan is nearing public release and DWR indicated the San Joaquin Valley is the test-of-concept region for the next California Water Plan. Members warned critical-head thresholds could restrict pumping near the Friant-Kern Canal, potentially affecting up to ~60,000 acres.
The five-year groundwater sustainability plan evaluation launches next month, with draft chapters being presented at upcoming board meetings and public comments accepted now via the executive director. Compliance enforcement is progressing — Tier 3 warning letters produced eight new well registrations, and Tier 2 warning letters are expected in 7–10 days. The County well meter rebate program still has funding; three Basin applications remain incomplete.
The board approved the ad valorem property tax rate for fiscal year 2026/27 at 0.0085% and authorized a $29.214 million Phase 1 design-build agreement for Lake Mathews upgrades. GM Deshmukh said he will meet with Imperial Irrigation District this week to resume Colorado River reduction talks and work toward a California shortage-sharing agreement for board consideration this fall.
Staff reported over 150,000 acre-feet brought into the district this season (including a Jan–Feb run), with demand dropping earlier than usual. MID celebrated a ~60-acre recharge facility near the Fermi community now recharging water, and the board approved applying to LAFCo to annex APN 027-172-010. Staff reported 23 capital projects completed since 2019, with two more pipelines planned this off-season.
