Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The groundwater sustainability agencies are moving to an independent governance model under a new Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that will take effect on March 1, 2026. This marks a major transition away from current oversight arrangements and will centralize decision-making for the Delta-Mendota Subbasin. In addition, the agencies approved a Domestic Well Mitigation Policy after extensive negotiations with state regulators, meeting a critical requirement for groundwater management implemen...
The Board approved significant 7% annual water rate increases for the next five years to fund a $73 million infrastructure improvement program, while also approving more modest 3% annual wastewater rate increases. These rate hikes will increase typical residential bills from around $92 to $124 over the five-year period for water services. A formal public hearing process was initiated, with customers having the opportunity to protest the proposed increases at a December 9, 2025 hearing.
The groundwater management agency is developing a simplified "water bucket" reserve policy to replace the current pumping credit system, allowing water users to build up reserves when pumping below their sustainable allocation without expiration dates. Private well users pumping more than 25 acre-feet annually may be eligible to participate in this program with proper metering and reporting requirements. The reserve policy would be suspended during drought-triggered management actions...
The committee approved moving forward with a domestic well risk assessment using an updated inventory of over 4,000 wells, despite incomplete location data for half the wells. Members criticized groundwater modeling scenarios that showed drought resilience, arguing they were misleading since they unrealistically assume no increased water use during extended droughts. Staff identified 32 existing shallow wells for interconnected surface water monitoring, significantly expanding from the...
This WAC meeting was largely informational, with presenters updating the board on key issues. East Turlock GSA demonstrated a new groundwater accounting platform to help farmers manage allocations and credits. UC ANR highlighted the challenges small-scale farmers face in complying with SGMA. Staff also outlined upcoming deadlines in the Modesto, Turlock, and Delta-Mendota subbasins.
