TOP 3 MAJOR TAKEAWAYS:
1. Measurement System Selection Process Moving Forward - The GSA received 7 proposals for new measurement methods and accounting platforms (2 for measurement, 5 for accounting) and is progressing toward a September committee recommendation with staff recommendation planned. The Madera Ag Water Association emphasized key principles including cost efficiency (current system costs around $1 million annually), continued use of widely-adopted platforms like Land IQ, and maintaining flow meter integration and appeals processes.
2. Domestic Well Mitigation MOU Approved - The committee recommended approval of a memorandum of understanding with Valley Water Collaborative for domestic well testing and replacement water supplies in the Delta-Mendota subbasin, with Madera County GSA being the last of 23 GSAs to sign on. Currently no domestic wells exist in Madera County GSA Delta-Mendota lands and no funding sources are available for well mitigation through the county GSA.
3. Nearly $1 Million in Recharge Project Engineering Approved - The committee recommended approval of a $975,270.50 contract amendment with Davids Engineering to advance multiple grant-funded groundwater recharge projects, with completion expected within 18 months including "ribbon cuttings." Combined capacity of all projects is approximately 28,000 acre-feet per year when water is available.
ADDITIONAL KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The committee approved meeting minutes from July 1, 2025.
Grower feedback questionnaires were mailed out with about 35,000 acres and 47 growers submitting responses for the measurement system selection process.
Reference checks for measurement method and accounting platform vendors showed generally positive feedback, though services are new and being refined over time.
A community member requested that domestic well mitigation governance framework be added as an agenda item for next month's meeting.
Staff reported completing various administrative tasks including mailing rules booklets, processing GSA fees and penalties, and drafting liens for unpaid penalties.
The committee is investigating potentially shifting next month's meeting from September 9th to September 2nd due to a state subsidence workshop conflict.
New subsidence guidance from the state was recently released and growers are encouraged to review it.
Staff is working to transfer monitoring wells from San Joaquin Conservancy to GSAs at little or no cost to save money.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS:
How to Engage: Growers can submit public comments at future meetings, contact Madera County Water and Natural Resources at 559.662.8015, or visit maderacountywater.com. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 2nd at 1:30 p.m. (moved from September 9th due to state workshop conflict).
