TOP 3 MAJOR TAKEAWAYS:
Domestic Well Mitigation Program Approved - The board unanimously approved a comprehensive program to assist rural domestic well owners whose wells go dry due to groundwater management activities after January 1, 2015. The program provides emergency water within 24 hours, interim water within 72 hours, and long-term solutions including well replacement up to $65,000 per well, funded by a $2 million reserve from future groundwater pumping fees.
Preliminary Fee Structure Presented - Staff presented preliminary estimates of $19 per acre for land-based assessments and $15 per acre-foot for pumping fees to fund GSA operations and well mitigation programs. These are very preliminary numbers subject to change, with a Proposition 218 election (California's "Right to vote on taxes act" requiring written notice to property owners, public hearings, and voter approval) planned for early 2026 to authorize the fees.
Financial Situation Requires Action - The GSA currently has a negative $70,000 cash balance with approximately $682,350 in debt to former member Kings County Water District and the City of Hanford, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable funding mechanism through the upcoming fee election.
OTHER KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Chuck Kinney was appointed as Secretary to fulfill Joint Powers Authority requirements for officer positions.
The board approved agreements with Geosyntec for a $65,000 sustainable yield study and with LandIQ for evapotranspiration services at $70,332 annually.
Well registration will be required for eligibility in the mitigation program, with registration due by April 1, 2026.
The state released draft subsidence best management practices with a public workshop scheduled for September 9th in Clovis.
Two groundwater recharge basin applications were reviewed, with credits approved for portions of the recharged water.
The injunction from the Farm Bureau lawsuit continues to prevent direct communication between the Tulare Lake subbasin and state water board staff.
GSA staff is working on updated outreach plans to improve community engagement before the fee election.
BOARD ACTIONS:
Next Meeting: September 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Contact the GSA at (559) 852-2670 or MKRGSA@co.kings.ca.us with questions or to provide input on upcoming fee proposals.
