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 Cross Valley Canal liner repairs were underway and the liner was poured the morning of the meeting; staff hoped water could return by mid-next week, about a month earlier than previously anticipated. Kern Fan banking recovery totaled about 44,246 acre-feet in 2026; hydrographs show year-over-year middle-aquifer declines at all six sites. KINDLA advanced SGMA allocation framework work and sought well volunteers for water-quality data.
At its August 27 meeting, the Salinas Valley Basin GSA’s technical advisory committee discussed evidence of Upper Valley overdraft and a triggered long-term action threshold. An illustrative no-agricultural-pumping scenario raised modeled water levels in some areas but barely changed average annual storage change; its baseline already avoided groundwater-level undesirable results. Members flagged a possible river-flow model discrepancy and adopted no management action.
The board approved the intended award of Phase 2A construction management services to Arcadis (NTE $9.26M) for the ~2.7-mile parallel canal project, with final award delegated to the CEO; bids are due Sept. 18 and OBBB funds cover Phase 2A costs. Friant Class 1 remains at 100%; staff are tracking a potentially record El Niño for winter impacts. A Bowman algae study starts Sept. 9 on copper treatment effectiveness.
The board approved Resolution 2026-05 adopting a delinquency policy and miscellaneous fee schedule with a 10% penalty, 1% monthly interest, and recovery of collection costs for late groundwater fees, with remedies that may include payment plans and tax-roll placement. Staff reported about $1.7 million in delinquent invoices added to county tax rolls. The board also adopted rules revisions including 3-year pump efficiency testing and clarified fallowing and recharge documentation expectations.
A proposed 20-year water agreement with East Bay MUD drew public concerns about pricing and drought-time access for local agriculture. The board heard comment and prepared to recess to closed session for discussion. A new auditing firm was approved for a three-year engagement.
