Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The board approved 1,000 AF of Calleguas in-lieu imported water for Las Posas Valley (BOP Project 2) in the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, using ~$868,000 from reserves to cover half the cost. It also approved a $62,240 ESA accounting pilot and a $298,725 Woodard & Curran feasibility study for northern East Las Posas.
The Monterey Subbasin Committee approved its April minutes 6-0. Staff outlined new aquifer data and partial barriers to groundwater flow in the Corral de Tierra area. A dataset of 55 qualifying wells is incomplete, and members sought clarification of agricultural-well classifications. Members discussed conservation and project options; no pumping allocations or cutbacks were adopted.
Groundwater recharge feasibility studies showed strong pilot results, with three projects proposed but not advancing without funding and legal review. SHAC broadly supported expanding the RMS network from 17 to 29 wells (no vote). MTs—described by one member as ~80 ft below historical lows—remain a major concern; staff will refine proposals for July 22 discussion.
The board discussed but did not adopt a 2027 budget, reviewing two options near $14M; a decision is deferred to July 8. No 2027 rate increase was approved, though $5–$10/acre was discussed as a possible future increase. Reverse auction contract language about eminent domain/1033 was discussed; staff plans to bring clarified notice language to the July 8 meeting.
A demand management framework is being developed using historical recharge trends, though pumping reductions remain decades away unless long-term basin recovery fails. The Groundwater Sustainability Plan update is due January 2027, with public hearings expected this summer. Separately, a brackish water desalination project addressing seawater intrusion carries an estimated $1.4 million price tag, with unresolved technical questions and a board recommendation pending.
