Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Public speakers highlighted the Pure Water Southern California project, which is expected to reduce State Water Project demands by about 100,000 acre-feet annually, with formal board consideration expected soon. Carpenter union representatives raised concerns about the Sites Reservoir project potentially selecting an out-of-state contractor over qualified California firms. The General Manager transition continues as retiring Devin Upadhyay hands over leadership to incoming Shivaji Deshmukh.
TID leaders mourned the loss of longtime Water Distribution Manager Mike Kavarian, honoring his 44 years of service during the GM’s update and board remarks. The Board elected 2026 officers: David Yonan as President, Ron Macedo as Vice President, and Joe Alamo as Secretary. Despite a recent dry spell, hydrology updates showed conditions near average and Don Pedro Reservoir around elevation 790.
Board received an update on the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) pilot project, a joint groundwater management initiative in the region. Groundwater allocations for the 2026 water year and the agency’s probationary exclusion conversation with the State Water Resources Control Board were disccussed intensely. The board approved 2026 allocations that steadily reduce transitional yield to prepare for the State's review in 2026.
The Board received an update that State Water Board staff and members unanimously supported returning the Kaweah GSPs to DWR oversight, marking a major milestone for collaborative groundwater management. A one-year agreement was approved for daily evapotranspiration data to help growers manage water use. Staff also reported on a potential 600 acre-foot water purchase and the need for a broader 2026 importation strategy.
The committee voted to recommend a $115.6M contract to rehabilitate Garvey Reservoir's damaged cover and liner, restoring critical system flexibility by summer 2028. Staff presented proposed partnership principles for the Pure Water Southern California program, indicating external partners would pay full project costs while member agencies receive water at melded rates. Field inspections highlighted urgent infrastructure needs for the aging Colorado River Aqueduct system.
