Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Authority is expanding its groundwater monitoring network with approximately 6 additional well projects to address identified data gaps, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. South Delta region is facing serious water quality and supply challenges, and a monitoring data inventory found minor 2024 gaps that have been located and will be uploaded for state reporting.
Board received updates on California's largest agricultural recycled water project, which will deliver up to 50,000 acre-feet annually starting in 2027. A new concept was presented for a multipurpose recharge basin at a gravel pit that could capture high-flow stormwater to help address the basin's modeled 6,200 AFY groundwater deficit. Groundwater Sustainability Plan 2027 periodic evaluation is underway with a January 2027 deadline and must address four corrective actions.
Board approved a 37-acre recharge pond construction ($150,738) while advancing methodology for subsidence mitigation triggers that would activate demand management. Staff revealed District faces a 30,000-40,000 acre-foot annual overdraft even without external pumping, requiring internal water use reductions regardless of surrounding area actions. Board adopted the 2025 Water Management Plan Update, while delaying a second recharge pond bid pending additional contractor quotes.
The district's oversight has been formally transferred from the State Water Board back to DWR, initiating a 1-2 year review of the 2025 Groundwater Sustainability Plans. S&P maintained the district's bond rating citing strong financials, despite downward pressure across irrigation districts. The initial 2026 State Water Project allocation was set at 10%, higher than the typical 5% start due to wet October-November conditions.
The district is offering free nitrogen and irrigation management consulting to growers in one township through a $1 million USDA grant program. Water quality guidelines successfully protected growers in their second year, with chloride thresholds actively managed and real-time EC monitoring. Golden mussels discovered in the canal system pose an imminent threat to pipeline infrastructure, requiring urgent treatment protocols and regional coordination.
