1. STATE BOARD RECOMMENDS MOVING EKGSA TO DWR OVERSIGHT
The State Water Resources Control Board staff is developing a report to recommend moving the Kaweah Subbasin to DWR purview, expected for November 4th. This major milestone reflects successful implementation efforts and would reduce regulatory burden for the GSA.
2. 2026 WATER ALLOCATION METHODOLOGY APPROVED
The committee approved 2026 water allocations with native inflow at 0.82 and precipitation offset at 0.754, representing no change from 2025 levels. This uses a 25-year rolling average approach based on Korea River inflow data.
3. MAJOR FUNDING DISCUSSIONS FOR PROP 218 LAND-BASED ASSESSMENT
The committee discussed budget increases through a Proposition 218 assessment that could raise rates from $7.45 to as much as $27 per acre maximum. The committee recommended both a base budget increase and five-year escalator provision to the board, with mitigation program costs driving the largest increase.
4. Groundwater Quality Monitoring Update
Spring 2025 sampling has been completed, with exceedance policy evaluation and notification scheduled for release around August 30th.
5. Well Registration and Inventory Progress
The pilot well inventory effort is expanding across GSA areas, with Lindmore ID completing their seven sections in approximately 12 hours using the Montgomery and Associates app.
6. Interconnected Surface Water Technology
New cost-effective portable stream monitoring technology estimated at $500 per unit could significantly reduce monitoring costs compared to traditional stream gauges.
7. Model Updates in Progress
Montgomery Associates is updating the groundwater model with focus on water budget components, land use elements, and boundary issues, with completion targeted for early next year.
8. Subsidence Monitoring Coordination
Regional subsidence meetings are being scheduled with other subbasins to coordinate monitoring efforts and data sharing.
9. Water Transfer Fee Discussions
The board will also consider implementing transfer fees as an additional revenue source, though specific amounts were not finalized.
10. Implementation Team Updates
Multiple core teams remain active including water quality, well registration/inventory, mitigation planning, small community wells, and interconnected surface water monitoring teams.
Next Meeting: August 8, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
How to Engage: For questions or to request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact Kathy Bennett at 559-562-2534 or kbennett@lindmoreid.com (requests must be received at least 48 hours prior to meetings). The GSA welcomes public comment during designated portions of meetings.
