Subsidence across the district is worsening significantly. The number of management zones exceeding 50% of their allowable subsidence threshold doubled from 9 to 18 year-over-year, and zones hitting the 60% trigger went from 1 to 6. Lower aquifer groundwater levels are being identified as the primary driver. Staff is actively developing a proposal to shift from the current consumption-based allocation system to a total applied (gross pumping) system, which would more directly account for inefficient water application. This change would most heavily impact flood and less-efficient irrigation operations. Grower outreach and education will ramp up, with a target of bringing a formal proposal to the board later this year.
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