1. Subsidence guidance leaves room for discussion, but costs remain a concern During the Groundwater Sustainability Agency discussion, General Resource Manager Doug Welch and the board considered the Department of Water Resources’ best management practices for subsidence. Speakers described raising groundwater levels to limit subsidence but emphasized that the practices are guidance, not regulation. Staff said DWR may consider other ways to address undesirable results if the district demonstrates a credible path forward. Directors questioned whether measures such as repeatedly raising canal banks would be affordable over time. One participant said the district’s plan targets sustainability by 2040 and is about 13 years ahead of schedule. Chowchilla is not on probation or subject to State Water Board pumping fees.
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