July 23, 2025
1. Basin Water Conditions Show Strong Recovery The basin is performing well above sustainability targets with water levels increasing significantly since 2020-2021. All management areas are pumping well below their sustainable yield allocations, with some areas showing 100-foot increases in groundwater levels due to recent wet years and imported water recharge programs.
2. Pumping Credits System Under Major Review The board extensively discussed potential changes to the current 5-year expiration period for pumping credits, with proposals ranging from 3 years to 50 years. The analysis showed that shorter expiration periods (3-5 years) limit credits to about 1-2 times the sustainable yield allocation, while longer periods could allow up to 8 times the allocation, raising concerns about "paper water" accumulation.
3. New Stream Gauging Opportunities Available DWR has additional funding available for new stream gauging stations through a separate program from the CalSIPS initiative. The GSA is considering pursuing funding for stations at key confluence points to better quantify water flows and losses throughout the basin, particularly where Yucaipa Creek meets San Timoteo Creek.
4. DWR approved the 2024 Water Year Annual Report with no additional information required, confirming the GSP implementation is likely to achieve sustainability goals.
5. The data management system has transitioned to ArcGIS Online, providing easier navigation and data visualization for users.
6. Current water year (2024-2025) is classified as "dry" with about 60% of normal rainfall (9.5 inches basin-wide), but this represents an improvement from the previously projected "critically dry" status.
7. The 5-year periodic evaluation of the GSP is due January 27, 2027, with an estimated cost of just under $150,000 to address DWR's 9 recommended corrective actions.
8. Public workshops on pumping credits and basin conditions are planned for August 27th and September 24th, with a larger community meeting scheduled for October following the regular board meeting.
9. The discussion revealed concerns about negative pumping credit balances and whether accounts should be capped at zero rather than allowing accumulation of "debt."
10. Private well owners pumping less than 25 acre-feet per year may be excluded from pumping credit eligibility, which would affect most individual users except large operations like golf courses.
Growers and agricultural operators can stay informed by subscribing to the GSA's email notification list for meeting announcements and updates. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Workshop meetings are planned for August 27th and September 24th at 10:30 AM to discuss pumping credits and other technical issues. For questions or to join the notification list, contact the GSA through their website at www.yucaipasgma.org or call (909) 797-2489.
