1. Groundwater allocation policy approved for 2027. The board approved a Groundwater Allocation and Use Policy basing native-yield allocations on assessed acreage. Counsel said historical use remains relevant to transitional-yield eligibility and emphasized that allocations are an administrative demand-management tool, not a determination of groundwater rights. Transitional yield, which represents overdraft pumping, is last in the discussed order of use. Staff expects to announce by February 1 whether transitional yield will be available for 2027 and, if so, at what level, based on basin conditions. Directors and public commenters raised concerns about fairness, landowner-level impacts and costs. The policy passed on a divided roll-call vote.
2. Recharge policy adopted. After months of discussion, the board approved a policy addressing how recharge credits are earned, accounted for, held and transferred. The roll-call vote was divided. The policy provides a variance process and addresses forfeiture when a holder cannot use its recharge allocation for reasons outside its control. A City of Coalinga representative asked how a ten-year credit-expiration period would apply to city-generated credits. The policy leaves open the possibility of exports out of the basin; the board did not approve a specific export. The city representative also raised questions about eligibility, transfers and coordination across GSA boundaries. Staff said the policy currently applies only to the Pleasant Valley GSA and expressed hope that broader applicability could be addressed through coordination with the City and County GSAs.
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