Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Consultant presentations on GSA-run modeling indicated that turning off all Upper Valley and Forebay pumping would change simulated seawater intrusion by about 4%, a result that stakeholders debated. Several speakers linked these findings to future Proposition 218 cost-allocation discussions, while staff said the specific runs will not be directly used in GSP implementation. DWR requested additional clarity on progress toward sustainability goals in the critically overdrafted basin.
The Groundwater Accounting Platform launched parcel delineation and well registration features, with a January 31st deadline for marking parcels inactive. A Phase Two fee structure is being developed, with an engineer's report to be released at the February 11th meeting and a Proposition 218 hearing anticipated around April 20th. Staff is processing 72 alternative source water credit forms totaling about 200,000 acre-feet.
The board supported exempting small groundwater users (pumping 2-10 acre-feet annually) from costly five-year meter testing requirements, with a formal ordinance amendment to follow. Staff recommended pausing expensive modeling work on surface water depletion analysis to avoid duplicating efforts already underway in the adjudication process. Updated data shows groundwater extraction projections are 6% lower than originally estimated.
The Board approved substantial executive compensation increases recognizing outstanding 2025 performance, along with the FY 2027 budget of $13.87 million including modest salary increases and new succession planning positions. Enhanced Delta export flexibility under new operational procedures is already delivering significant water supply benefits, with approximately 40,000 additional acre-feet exported during the recent first flush period.
The board approved the 2026 budget of $37.4 million through Resolution 730 while expressing frustration over the Kern SGMA authority's proposed $640,000 budget, questioning high attorney costs and lack of self-funding mechanisms. Major capital projects including the Friant-Kern Canal Pump Station and Reuse of Produced Water Project continue progressing toward completion despite recent weather delays.
