Water Year 2026 Allocation Reduced to 1.5 Acre-Feet Per Acre
Allocation drops from 1.83 to 1.5 acre-feet per acre (0.67 tiered + 0.83 native yield) at $10 per acre-foot due to below-average water year. Only 53,000 acre-feet recharged this year versus previous higher amounts, requiring conservative allocation to maintain reserves.
Grower Credit Balances Provide Strong Buffer
Dashboard shows growers average 4.2 acre-feet per acre in existing credits, meaning most can access their full 3 acre-feet per acre pumping limit despite reduced allocation. The reduction prevents overdraft while ensuring operational flexibility for most growers.
State Water Board Recommends Return to DWR Oversight
GSA successfully addressed water quality concerns and will likely return to DWR management rather than probation. Staff recommendation follows proper exceedance responses and monitoring well replacements, with final approval expected late summer/fall.
Allocation Strategy Protects Against Future Drought
New "what you put in is what you get out" methodology splits recharge amounts to maintain reserves, ensuring water availability through consecutive dry years.
Well Registration Program Launches with Privacy Protection
Voluntary registration program completed 358-well inventory with incentive-based approach. Data protected as utility information with GSA providing communication point for well issues.
Inter-GSA Credit Transfer Policy Approved
Up to 700 acre-feet transfers allowed between Mid-Kaweah and Greater Kaweah within 3-mile boundaries. Requires good standing, cannot be used for market speculation.
Well Meter Appeal Policy Updated
Magnetic meters now qualify for 5-year calibration cycles instead of 2 years. Appeals require GPS coordinates and photos for verification.
Water Quality Shows Legacy Contamination
Testing found nitrates, arsenic, TCP, and uranium exceedances, mostly legacy issues. Affected landowners notified within 24 hours with mitigation resources provided.
Well Mitigation Program Active
Two wells currently mitigated, one new application evaluating water line extension option. Version 2.0 mitigation plan pending state funding clarification.
Cameron Creek Recharge Project Proposed
$2.5 million project needs $500,000 additional funding beyond grants, would be shared between Tulare, Visalia, and TID.
