Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The advisory committee reviewed progress on drought resilience planning, groundwater fee implementation, and water management strategies across multiple sub-basins. Key focus areas included new groundwater accounting systems, emergency response protocols, and collaborative approaches to balance agricultural needs with environmental requirements.
The board approved a cost-sharing agreement for land use monitoring services and began forming committees to develop landowner assessments. State regulators are pushing for changes to the Authority's governing agreement to ensure long-term commitment to groundwater management.
The board approved a new land-based assessment funding mechanism and set 2026 water allocations at 1.54 acre-feet per acre while addressing revenue shortfalls. Several landowner variance requests were granted and unpaid fees will now go directly to the county tax roll for more efficient collection.
The agency is considering 5-9% annual rate increases for five years to fund $19 million in critical infrastructure upgrades to aging water systems. Current 4% increases only cover half the needed improvements, while wastewater rates may rise 3-5% annually to address 1970s-era system deficiencies. The agency has secured $3 million in grants and is pursuing a WIFIA loan for additional low-interest financing.
The Central Valley Project's 55% water allocation is at serious risk, with San Luis Reservoir projected to reach dangerously low levels by August and only an 11,000 acre-foot buffer above dead pool remaining. Delta water quality issues are already forcing pumping reductions below forecasted levels, threatening the ability to deliver promised allocations to contractors. However, there's hope as the Secretary of Interior made an unprecedented visit to engage directly with California water stakeholders and received priority project recommendations.
