1. State Water Board Moratorium Threat Along Friant-Kern Canal — Growers Near the Canal Face Severe Pumping Restrictions as Early as Next Growing Season The State Water Board's Phase 1 interim plan targets a pumping moratorium at least two miles (possibly three) on each side of the Friant-Kern Canal, potentially affecting 60,000–90,000 acres across multiple GSAs. A draft is expected December/January with final implementation sought before the 2027 growing season. Sub-basin managers are racing to develop a "Friant-Kern Canal Emergency Plan" as an alternative, but the State has made clear any alternative must achieve results comparable to a full moratorium — meaning pumping allowances near the canal will be close to zero. Pixley GSA has approximately 2,600 affected acres in the potential three-mile zone. Mailers will go out to affected growers, and a grower outreach meeting is scheduled for August 28 for impacted landowners.
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