TOP 3 MAJOR TAKEAWAYS:
Drought Resilience Plan Development Progressing Under SB552 - Stanislaus County is developing a comprehensive drought resilience plan with both short-term emergency response actions and long-term mitigation strategies. The plan includes mutual aid agreements, expedited well permitting during emergencies, emergency water distribution systems, and infrastructure projects to support domestic wells and small water systems during drought conditions.
East Turlock GSA Implements Groundwater Fees and Allocation System - ETGSA has adopted groundwater use fees and launched a grower-facing accounting platform to track water usage through evapotranspiration (ET) data. The system includes deposit invoices for Category 1 water within sustainable yield limits, with over 50% of account holders now actively using the platform, though many growers are requesting help and clarification on the new requirements.
Spring-Run Chinook Salmon Discovery Creates New Water Management Considerations - Approximately 1,500 spring-run Chinook salmon were discovered in the Tuolumne River this year, with irrigation districts successfully relocating over 300 fish from the LaGrange Dam plunge pool. This unprecedented occurrence may influence future water release requirements and environmental flow discussions, though current pulse flows appear adequate for fish survival.
Additional Key Takeaways:
ETGSA is offering incentivized fallowing programs at $730 per acre annually for 3-year minimum commitments, retroactive to 2025.
The agency is developing Type 1 (recurring annual) and Type 2 (one-time construction cost share) incentive payment programs for water conservation projects.
Replenishment water is now potentially available to any parcel in ETGSA, with active planning for expanded TID infrastructure delivery.
ETGSA has identified two priority action areas where groundwater levels have fallen below interim milestones, requiring focused demand reduction efforts.
Multi-benefit land repurposing pilot projects are being implemented with funding from the Department of Conservation.
Modesto Subbasin allocation framework workshop feedback is requested by August 8th through the SGRPA website.
Delta Mendota Subbasin GSAs are hopeful for return to probationary status in first quarter 2026.
How to Engage: For questions about ETGSA programs, contact Mike Tietze. For Modesto Subbasin allocation framework comments, submit feedback to SGRPA website. For drought resilience plan input, contact Christy McKinnon in Environmental Resources. The next Water Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Stanislaus Farm Bureau.
