Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The groundwater sustainability agency approved a $100,000 budget increase to complete critical well mitigation and management programs by the January 2026 deadline. Two key workshops are scheduled for October and November to review draft programs, with documents released at least two weeks prior for public input. The compressed timeline requires both programs to be drafted by January 2026 and implemented by January 2027, creating urgency for member agencies to secure necessary approvals.
The State Water Resources Control Board is expected to approve the Kern Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan on September 17th after addressing most deficiencies. The district exceeded subsidence management thresholds at three in-district monitoring points, triggering mandatory investigations under SGMA requirements. The board approved major financial commitments, including up to $316,000 for a fish-friendly diversion demonstration and participation in basin-wide SGMA expenses, with...
The board postponed new surface water application reviews until November pending completion of a canal capacity study, with 21 applications currently waiting. Progress continues on groundwater basin coordination with preliminary allocation numbers showing 1.65 acre-feet per acre of native safe yield. A $501,558 contract was approved for construction of a second 50-acre recharge basin to expand groundwater replenishment capacity.
The board is set for the Subbasin to exit the state’s probationary oversight with basin-wide coordination and monitoring programs. New landowner banking agreements were approved to expand water storage eligibility and allow ledger-based deficit offsetting without physical water recovery. Despite environmental concerns, duck club water issues were addressed with a timeline through 2035.
The board rejected both candidates for a vacant stakeholder position amid controversy over agricultural groups seeking influence in a non-agricultural seat. Domestic well advocates pushed back, claiming they already pay 57% of GSA fees while accounting for only 10% of pumping. The GSA must submit its first Periodic Evaluation by January 2027, with significant amendments expected to monitoring networks, sustainable management criteria, and interconnected surface water thresholds.
