Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The committee received positive news that State Water Resources Control Board staff is developing a report to recommend moving the subbasin to DWR oversight, expected for a November 4th hearing. The committee also approved 2026 water allocations with no changes from 2025 levels and discussed significant budget increases through a proposed Proposition 218 land-based assessment that could raise rates from $7.45 to as much as $27 per acre maximum.
The board approved a significant assessment rate increase to $179 per acre (up from $140.50) to fund water purchases and maintain cash flow, representing the maximum allowed under their previous Proposition 218 election. The district continues under state board probation with an exclusion request pending and faces ongoing challenges with only 51% well registration compliance among landowners.
The board advanced a new water market for trading allocations in the Central Management Area and began evaluating whether to extend water restrictions to the Ventucopa area. Key actions also included approving a new weather station, delaying carryover policy discussions, and addressing concerns about development outside current management zones.
The committee discussed billing confusion related to groundwater use fees, upcoming Phase 2 rule changes introducing fallow and recharge credits, and new monitoring infrastructure. Additional updates included MLRP program progress, enhanced monitoring in critical areas, and real-time data tools for growers.
The advisory committee recommended reducing the 2026 allocation to 1.5 acre-feet per acre due to limited recharge while noting that most growers have sufficient credits to maintain operations. The GSA also advanced inter-agency transfers, updated policies on meters and mitigation, and received a staff recommendation to return to DWR oversight.
