Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The GSA successfully diverted 42 acre-feet of water over 5 operational days under its new 5-year recharge permit, with two of three sites currently running and the permit in effect through March 31st. A collaborative domestic well mitigation program is now accepting applications, with a public webinar on January 23rd. The upcoming annual report will revisit groundwater level minimum thresholds and how to respond to any apparent exceedances.
An invasive golden mussel infestation was discovered in the Friant-Kern Canal, prompting coordination with state agencies on treatment options and a funding proposal coming to the Board in February. Water supply outlook for 2026 is strong with reservoirs well above average and agricultural allocation forecasts ranging from 35-65%. The Governor's proposed budget includes $30 million for river restoration and fish hatchery operations.
The Executive Committee meeting was canceled at 10:10 AM due to lack of quorum. A special meeting will be scheduled to address postponed agenda items, including updates to the Joint Powers Agreement and Bylaws, as well as a mid-term appointment for a SBC vacancy.
Preliminary data show the board met its 2025 demand reduction target with about 143,000 acre-feet of consumptive groundwater use, driven by fallowing, cover cropping, and surface water. A new credit split policy was approved, with growers receiving 40–100% of credits depending on funding sources. The board also approved up to about $2.5 million for a three‑year incentivized fallowing program, expected to cover roughly 2,768 acres
The district reported significant export gains from Action 5 under President Trump’s executive order, adding about 40,000 acre-feet of CVP exports during the late‑December/early‑January first flush period by operating to less restrictive OMR flows. A Community Benefits Agreement plan for the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan will involve extensive workshops. Groundwater monitoring shows marked recovery in core areas since 2022.
