1. Well Data Sharing Approved for Cost-Share Development The board unanimously approved sharing annual groundwater pumping data from the last two water years (2023-2024) among the 10 member agencies to develop a cost-sharing formula. This data, currently reported to consultants Woodard & Curran, will help the ad hoc committee analyze how costs might be distributed based on actual pumping volumes rather than equal shares.
2. Pumping Reduction Plan Implementation Shows Early Success Panoche Water District reported successful implementation of the Pumping Reduction Plan, including mandatory well shutoffs along the Delta-Mendota Canal when bureau allocation dropped below 45%. Some growers were told they cannot pump groundwater this year, though supplemental water purchases are available at premium rates to affected operators.
3. New Dashboard System Will Automate Compliance Tracking EKI presented a comprehensive dashboard that will automatically track water quality, groundwater levels, and subsidence data to identify exceedances and required response actions. The system will connect to the basin's Data Management System and provide real-time compliance status, eliminating the need for manual analysis by individual agencies.
August Monitoring Reminder: All agencies must complete both groundwater level measurements and water quality sampling in August for Quarter 3 requirements.
Data Reporting Gaps: Some agencies are behind on submitting required water level and quality data, creating complications for annual reporting.
Grant Funding Deadline: All SGMA Round 1 Implementation Grant work must be completed by end of 2025, with final reimbursement requests due April 30, 2026.
New Joint Powers Authority Formation: The region must establish a new JPA by March 1, 2026, to separate from San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority governance.
Subsidence Monitoring Expansion: Amendment 4 was executed to expand subsidence monitoring, including new interconnected surface water wells in Merced and Stanislaus counties.
Well Registration Platform: The ad hoc committee is evaluating a $5,000 cost to update Provost & Pritchard's existing well database for improved well registration and tracking.
Surface Water Maximization: Agencies are encouraging growers to maximize surface water use while available at 55% allocation rather than relying on groundwater during this relatively wet year.
Approved:
For questions about GSA activities or to provide input, contact your local water district representative. The next joint meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority Board Room (842 6th St., Los Banos, CA). The Coordination Committee will meet Monday, August 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
