Three Most Important Takeaways:
Well Metering Policy Moving Forward - The board directed staff to prepare a resolution for the well registration metering policy to be adopted at the next meeting. The policy requires all wells pumping more than 2 acre-feet annually for non-domestic purposes to install meters, with fines ranging from $120-$1,000 per day for non-compliance. Wells pumping less than 2 acre-feet per year for domestic use (de minimis wells) and inactive/abandoned wells are exempt from metering requirements.
$500 County Grant Available for Meter Installation - A county grant program offering $500 assistance for well meter installation remains available and funded. Staff will conduct outreach to inform well owners about this financial assistance opportunity once the metering policy is formally adopted, and the GSA is also considering implementing its own grant program.
Water Supply Impact Fee Development - Staff presented a proposed methodology for calculating a new water supply impact fee of approximately $33,800 per acre-foot for new development projects that exceed baseline water allocations. This fee is based on the Central Coast Aqueduct (CAP) project costs and would help fund water reliability infrastructure, with the fee structure to be updated every 5 years based on actual development demand.
Additional Key Takeaways:
The GSA adopted liability insurance coverage through Golden State Risk Management Authority since current JPIA coverage excludes policy adoption and enforcement activities.
The board approved the amended fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, which includes a 14.7% increase in operating expenditures due to personnel costs, legal expenses, and water treatment increases.
AMI (automated meter infrastructure) transmitters will be provided by the district at no cost to well owners, with the district handling installation while owners purchase the meters.
For compliance enforcement, the GSA will use a crop factor of 4 acre-feet per acre to calculate fees for wells without proper metering, creating incentives for voluntary compliance.
Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance was approved to complement existing coverage and protect board members from personal liability related to official actions.
The board authorized participation in the CCWA surplus water transfer program to potentially transfer excess carryover water stored in San Luis Reservoir.
Staff provided updates on the new Paymentus credit card processing system, which has significantly reduced processing fees from thousands to approximately $600 per month.
Board Actions:
How to Engage with the GSA: For questions or comments regarding GSA policies and programs, contact Executive Director McDonald. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Avenue. Public comment is welcome at all meetings, and meeting materials are available for review at the Carpinteria Valley Water District offices at 1301 Santa Ynez Avenue during business hours.
