Stay on top of SGMA

No allocation update is expected in July despite above-average storage; Jones pumping may be limited to one unit by high tides, and directors asked for a formal advocacy update next month. DMC subsidence correction construction is underway and on schedule, while golden mussels spread north with new detections and growing operational costs expected to become recurring budget items.

Produced water reuse deliveries began June 22, with flows currently at 0.3 cfs and long-term expectations of 0.6–0.8 cfs. Golden mussel treatment is ongoing with no mussels detected within district boundaries, and county-wide response costs have surpassed $7.3 million. A TNDLA draft groundwater allocation options analysis was reviewed (no policies set); program rollout discussed as 2028 or later.

The Board rescinded Resolution 2022-09 ending the Stage 2 shortage declaration; Stage 2-only limits like pool refilling bans were lifted while baseline Water Code rules still apply. The Board adopted updated capacity fees for new connections; wastewater rose from $17,535 to $25,388 per EDU (45%). Staff said Ione capacity is not an immediate issue and projects are multi-year.

The board approved FY 2027 groundwater sustainability fees despite a last-minute legal objection over fee authority and cost allocation. Staff presented three remaining project portfolios to address seawater intrusion, with a portfolio decision anticipated in August; Portfolio 1 is the only one shown as meeting seawater intrusion thresholds in the presented effectiveness summary, while staff said Portfolio 3A is close and could work with adjustments.

SGMA regulatory fees for FY 2026-27 were approved: $5.60 per cropped acre, $16.58 base fee per parcel, and $1.26 per developed domestic parcel. The board discussed expanding RMS wells from 17 to 29 and expressed general support, but took no formal action. MT/domestic well risk analysis continues; staff will post/update side-by-side analyses for the Periodic Evaluation.