Phase 2 Rules and Regulations Adopted: The board approved comprehensive Phase 2 rules and regulations that establish new self-reporting deadlines and procedures for the 2026 reporting period and beyond. Cover crop and self-directed fallowing must be reported by June 30th each year, while surface water and recharge reporting is due within 30 days of the reporting period end (November 30th). These rules also formalize the process for registering recharge facilities with the GSA before credits can be earned. For the current 2025 water year, the reporting window will open after the Sept 25 workshop and extend into November and December.
Self-Reporting Workshop Scheduled: A self-reporting workshop will be held immediately after the Sept 25 board meeting. It will be recorded, and outreach includes mailers, flyers, and email blasts. This workshop will demonstrate how growers can use the groundwater accounting platform to report fallowed fields, surface water use, and recharge activities.
Groundwater Fee Appeals Process Clarified: The board discussed a general appeal from growers with approximately 110 acres who object to paying Category 1 water deposits for fields they don't expect to irrigate. While no specific policy exists for this situation, the board will consider the appeal at next month's meeting and explore options like reclassification to non-irrigated use or participation in fallowing programs.
New Fallowing Verification Process: Fallowed fields will be verified through automated tests checking if water consumption is less than 0.5 acre-feet per acre, with aerial imagery used for final confirmation if needed.
Recharge Credit Rules: Recharge facilities must be registered with the GSA before credits can be earned, with credits calculated as total recharge minus 12.5% leave-behind for subbasin benefit.
MLRP Implementation Standards: Five implementation standards have been developed for land repurposing activities, with focus on self-implementation options and clearer technical requirements.
Google Grant Opportunity: Staff is pursuing a Google sustainability grant for Mustang Creek area projects, potentially funding additional recharge infrastructure and flood management improvements.
Groundwater Monitoring Updates: Validation of monitoring well data confirmed the priority action area remains below interim milestones, with potential addition of a DWR well to the monitoring network.
Help Sessions Available: Walk-in help sessions may be rescheduled based on grower demand, particularly after harvest season for assistance with the accounting platform.
Joint Consultant Selection: The board selected EKI as the new joint consultant with West Turlock GSA for groundwater modeling and technical services.
Approved:
For questions about groundwater use fees, self-reporting, or other GSA matters, contact staff through the helpline, help email, or submit help tickets. Technical assistance is available for project development and facility registration. The next board meeting is September 25, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Cortez Hall, followed immediately by the self-reporting workshop.
