Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Groundwater Replenishment Program water was reported as no longer available under the current agreement triggers, prompting board discussion about a possible agreement amendment. Snowpack was 26% of the April 1 average (Apr. 6 survey) after a warm March, and storage is being managed. The irrigation season began Mar. 11 with 13,246 acre-feet delivered.
Board approved the Proposed Biennial Budget (FY 2026/27–2027/28) with $150M for Pure Water SoCal planning/final design and directed a market study on selling two Delta islands. It separately approved a $1.025B CIP appropriation and a Webb Tract rice-farming lease with Martini Companies, LLC.
March demand surged (highest March flow in 18 years) and may stay strong in April. Snowpack is ~30% of normal; Corps concurrence allowed Don Pedro flood-space encroachment with no flood-control releases. Series Main TCC pilot cut spills sharply (88% same-day orders; 96% customer-placed online). Board unanimously approved the consent calendar and extended the Don Pedro Operating Agreement 3 years.
The Willow County Water District board discussed the City of Ukiah's lease-to-buy proposal for 151 Laws Ave and gave staff direction to seek revised terms—including a higher interest rate (~5.5–6%) and a structure that meets the district's rate-study goals. Members discussed potential IWPC/UVWA membership costs and warned annexation could leave Willow with ~100–110 connections while shared costs and debt allocation remain unresolved.
The board approved expanding the 2026 land fallowing program to up to $2 million at $400/acre, targeting 5,000 acres. A billing appeal seeking $5,555 in Tier 3 penalty adjustments ($3,825 for WY2024 and $1,730 for WY2025) was tabled for ~90 days for the landowner to provide supporting data (meter or pump test). Monitoring showed groundwater levels up 30–40 ft in some areas since 2023; west/south subsidence continues at ~0.4–0.6 ft/yr.
