Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The South American Subbasin remains in excellent condition with no undesirable results, adding 7,000 acre-feet of storage in the past year while staying well below sustainable yield. The first five-year SGMA periodic evaluation is underway with a draft targeted by the end of June. Recharge at Rooney has resumed after pump work, with operations continuing as long as flows remain adequate.
The committee reviewed the timeline for the 2027 Groundwater Sustainability Plan periodic evaluation and a planned amendment that will use the first five years of implementation data. The Board accepted a Demand Management Framework, with no immediate implementation; staff will develop one mandatory allocation measure for severely impacted deep aquifer areas and three voluntary programs for a future fiscal year. Staff also reported that the well registration program offers free ...
The Board rejected a damage claim exceeding $35,000 from a trip-and-fall incident and forwarded it to liability insurance. The Colorado River Aqueduct shutdown continues for essential maintenance into early 2026. During Director comments, board members discussed ongoing Colorado River allocation negotiations and cited concerns about declining river flows and missed deadlines.
The 2026 irrigation season is set to begin March 12 with a full 48-inch allocation and no cap for in-district growers, with water ordering opening March 11. Hydrology conditions are strong, with significant precipitation forecast to bring snowpack to near-average levels. Staff also reported the Ceres Main canal automated control pilot is ready to go live at season start, with a grower workshop scheduled February 25.
The Board heard feasibility updates on New Seawater Intrusion Project concepts with large storage and pipeline needs and on Castroville intake alternatives relying on Permit 11043 winter flows. Staff clarified no mandatory demand management cutbacks will begin July 1, 2026 and that programs are still being developed. The 180/400 aquifer remains in a Stage 4 severity category.
