Groundwater Allocation Policy Approved: The Board approved Version 19 of the Groundwater Allocation Policy with a 5-0 vote, establishing sustainable yield allocations of 0.86 acre-feet per acre for B and C zones, while A zone parcels receive 3 acre-feet total allocation without a designated sustainable yield until more data is collected. The policy includes transitional pumping allowances that decrease in five-year increments until 2040, when only sustainable yield allocations will remain. Implementation begins with a grace period through September 2026 for tracking purposes, with fees and penalties starting October 1, 2026.
State Water Board Reporting Requirements Reinstated: The State Water Resources Control Board has resumed enforcement of extraction reporting requirements, with reports due May 1, 2026 covering the period from July 15, 2024 through September 30, 2025. Individual landowners must report directly to the state (not through the GSA) and will face fees of $300 per well registration, with per‑acre‑foot charges currently described at $20 under probation (and potentially $35 under a State‑imposed interim plan). The state is acting as if no delays occurred despite the legal challenges, potentially imposing an interim plan on the sub-basin at any time after the one-year probation period.
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