Top 3 Key Takeaways
1. MID Shifts to Individual Domestic Well Mitigation Program The district is reconsidering the collaborative sub-basin approach for domestic well mitigation after three GSAs (New Stone Water District, Gravelly Ford Water District, and Root Creek Water District) were not interested to participate in proportional cost-sharing. MID will now implement a proximity-based program covering only wells within their jurisdiction, with staff estimating costs around $1.5 million for the upcoming year.
2. Water Season Concludes with Near-Record Delivery MID delivered almost 150,000 acre-feet this season despite dry conditions, with the final water deliveries scheduled for Wednesday morning. Staff characterized this as the most "average" year they've experienced, which was considered successful given the challenging water supply conditions.
3. Growing Concerns Over Groundwater Overdraft Board members expressed frustration that county agencies contributing to the overdraft problem have not stepped up to help, while domestic and irrigation wells continue to fail. There are serious concerns about what will happen during consecutive drought years, with some directors worried about potential lawsuits from property owners who may have to abandon homes due to well failures.
Additional Key Takeaways
The state is requiring domestic well mitigation programs, and MID needs to have something in place before 2026 to avoid potential state intervention.
The district will explore partnerships with other GSAs that may want to coordinate on overlapping areas despite the breakdown of the sub-basin collaboration.
Hidden Dam deliveries have been shut off due to low reservoir levels, marking the end of surface water availability for the season.
Staff noted that the statewide reporting system for failed domestic wells exists but questioned the accuracy of the data.
There was discussion about whether to set spending caps on the domestic well mitigation program as conditions potentially worsen.
Board Actions
The board provided clear direction to staff to proceed with developing MID's own proximity-based domestic well mitigation program rather than continuing to pursue the collaborative sub-basin approach.
How to Engage
For questions or comments regarding MID operations or groundwater sustainability matters, contact Board Secretary Andrea Sandoval at asandoval@madera-id.org or call the District office at 559-673-3514. Check the district website at madera-id.org for upcoming meeting schedules and agendas.
