1. GSA ASSESSMENT RATES INCREASED TO $179 PER ACRE
The board approved a significant increase in the general assessment rate from $140.50 to $179.24 per acre, representing the maximum allowed under the previous Proposition 218 election. The majority of this increase is allocated to water purchasing, with the district needing additional revenue to secure surface water supplies and maintain cash flow stability in future years.
2. STATE BOARD PROBATION STATUS CONTINUES WITH EXCLUSION REQUEST PENDING
Pixley has submitted a request for exclusion from state board probation, but the process is moving slowly with no definitive timeline provided. The State Water Resources Control Board staff indicated they want to handle multiple GSA exclusion requests together rather than piecemeal, meaning the district could face a hearing anywhere from November to January 2026.
3. WELL REGISTRATION COMPLIANCE REMAINS LOW AT 51%
Only 51% of landowners have registered their wells with the district, with 307 out of 625 total wells registered. Unregistered well owners continue to receive zero transitional water allocation until they comply with registration and metering requirements, creating ongoing enforcement challenges for the GSA.
4. Groundwater Use Reduction Progress
May 2025 pumping was 18,884 acre-feet, representing about 15% less than the average since reduction implementation began.
5. Transfer Requests Denied in High-Risk Zones
The district has denied several water transfer requests in zones exceeding 50% of minimum thresholds due to subsidence concerns.
6. Surface Water Delivery Challenges
The district faces potential early water cutoffs due to low point issues at Millerton reservoir, with Edison potentially needing to release additional water to avoid allocation reductions from 100% to 95%.
7. GSP Updates Approved for Public Review
The board approved putting revised Groundwater Sustainability Plan sections out for public review, focusing primarily on groundwater quality changes and technical corrections.
8. Subsidence Study Results Expected in August
EKI consultants are expected to present subsidence analysis results at a special meeting in August to better understand causation in affected areas.
9. County Tax Collection Transition Approved
The board approved transitioning assessment collection to Tulare County for efficiency, with the county charging approximately $1,000 to handle all assessments.
10. Water Authority Coordination Continues
The district continues meeting with other Tule River subbasin GSAs every two weeks to address coordination challenges, particularly around subsidence and the Angela wellfield issues.
Next Meeting: August 14, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at 357 E. Olive Avenue, Tipton, CA 93272
How to Engage: For questions about GSA activities or to request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact the district office at 559-562-2534. Public comment periods are available at the beginning of each meeting, with comments limited to 3 minutes per person and 30 minutes total.
