1. Board of Equalization Meeting Postponed Until November The board decided to table the Board of Equalization meeting (which reviews new surface water applications) until November to allow time for completion of a canal capacity study. With 21 current applications, the district wants to ensure accurate capacity assessments before approving new connections. This delay may affect growers seeking to add surface water access to their properties.
2. Groundwater Basin Coordination Progress on Native Safe Yield The Central Kings GSA is nearing agreement with other basin GSAs on groundwater allocation framework, with preliminary numbers showing 1.65 acre-feet per acre of native safe yield - the highest among basin GSAs. This allocation would be in addition to imported surface water supplies and represents the baseline sustainable groundwater pumping capacity.
3. Nebraska Basin Phase 2 Construction Approved The board approved a $501,558 contract with Cal Valley Construction to build a second 50-acre recharge basin at the Nebraska property. The project includes pipeline realignment, permanent turnout with flow measurement, and deep ripping to improve percolation rates - addressing issues found at other new recharge sites.
USDA Grant Delayed: The $1 million Cameron Wolf basin project grant is held up due to federal requirements for recorded interest in the property, but USDA staff are working on solutions.
Water Storage Update: District ended the water year with 18,815 acre-feet in storage, leaving about 4,000 acre-feet above the temperature control pool requirement.
Private Lateral Repair Policy: A grower completed private lateral repairs for $4,400 versus the district's $15,000+ estimate, raising questions about reimbursement policies for self-performed repairs.
Financial Improvements: Staff is working with Wells Fargo to establish a money market account offering 4% interest versus the current 2.99% county treasury rate.
Canal Capacity Study Moving Forward: Multiple engineering firms have submitted proposals for comprehensive canal capacity analysis to support future surface water allocations.
KRWA Assessment Payments: Board approved second installment payments totaling over $192,000 for Kings River Water Association general operations and fisheries management.
Subsidence Management: State is developing new best management practices for subsidence, though this district shows minimal subsidence issues due to sandy soils.
Growers can attend board meetings to provide public comments or contact the district office at 2255 Chandler Street, Selma, CA 93662. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM (following the Central Kings GSA meeting). For questions about surface water applications or other district services, contact District Manager Phil Desatoff or the district office.
