Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Groundwater levels are at or near all-time highs across the basin, with elevations above minimum thresholds. Staff presented a new Water Accounting System showing ~519,000 acre-feet of total banked water—approximately 470,000 acre-feet previously banked plus ~48,700 acre-feet net banked in water year 2025 (North and South American sub-basins combined)—and a planned public dashboard. Staff will meet with DWR and Reclamation to seek reduced 25% stream depletion factor assumptions for transfers.
Water allocation was increased to 1.7 acre-feet per acre following a 45% State Water Project allocation, with May deliveries totaling 6,888 acre-feet. AECA warned that cumulative PG&E rate proposals could total 44% by 2030 and asked districts to recalibrate dues; the board discussed raising Cawelo's contribution from $3,500 to about $6,200 (formula), and a motion was made for $6,000. Continuous deliveries expected to begin June 22.
The board terminated the Ione water shortage emergency by adopting Resolution 2026-09. The FY 2026/27 budget was approved, including nearly $20M in water capital projects. The board reviewed the final draft capacity fee study and directed staff to begin notifications ahead of the scheduled July 9, 2026 adoption.
Water deliveries may end mid-August or sooner, with August availability unknown until the July meeting. Staff discussed a new Tier 2 Class 2 offering of at least 2,745 acre-feet at about $165 per AF (vs. ~$25/AF Tier 1) and said FID may buy it to build a buffer if others decline. Southern Sierra snowpack is ~15% of normal; heat may raise demand.
The board approved a cost-share MOU to fund unified Tule Subbasin technical work aimed at exiting state probation, and authorized a compensation analysis for a new Voluntary Land Repurposing Program offering 20-year irrigation restriction payments to enrolled landowners. Staff said the GSA is not on track for subsidence thresholds and will develop a draft subsidence plan and potential zone-based pumping caps for fall review.
