Water Supply and Operations Update: The district currently has 843,000 acre-feet of total supply with 503,000 acre-feet used through August 31st, leaving 340,000 acre-feet remaining. CVP allocation remains at 55% despite requests for additional allocation, with reclamation not believing additional water is available for allocation at this time. Staff noted that Executive Order implementation has prevented Fall X2 actions this year, which would have cost CVP contractors hundreds of thousands of acre-feet.
Major Pipeline Failure at Pleasant Valley Pumping Plant: A significant emergency occurred when two cooling water supply lines failed, flooding the lower level of the plant with 5 feet of water. Staff responded within 45 minutes to isolate the leak, and the plant was restored to service after extensive repairs including motor replacement and electrical panel work. The failure highlighted the need for improved automated controls for the cooling water system.
Solar Power Initiative Analysis: Staff presented cost analysis for reducing energy costs at district offices, comparing options including PG&E's current rates, PERPA conversion, and White Pine solar proposals. Over 10 years, both PERPA and White Pine options showed significant savings, though board members requested additional analysis comparing costs of district-owned solar facilities versus third-party arrangements before making final decisions.
Golden Mussel Management: District continues coordinating with Fish and Wildlife and DWR on invasive species control, with promising strategies including high temperature exposure (130°F for 10 seconds) and sand/media filtration for removing adults and larvae.
Groundwater Sustainability: District emphasized its SGMA-compliant plan reaching sustainability by 2030, responding to recent criticism about subsidence impacts on the California Aqueduct.
Legislative Tours: Staff conducted successful tours for incoming Senate President-elect Senator Limón and other legislators, focusing on subsidence issues and potential Prop 4 funding for groundwater infrastructure improvements.
Science Program Development: New science director Brad Cavallo presented draft accountability strategy focusing on species-specific goals and evaluating cost-effectiveness of environmental investments, with final plan expected at September board meeting.
Online Payment System Approved: Board approved budget augmentation for Point & Pay online payment system allowing credit card, debit card, and e-check payments with implementation targeted for January 1st.
Darden Solar Project Approved: Board approved the 9,116-acre Darden Clean Energy project with enhanced maintenance covenants addressing neighbor concerns about fire, pest, and weed management.
Debt Management Strategy: Analysis showed that early debt payoff through defeasance would not be cost-effective given current interest rates, with staff recommending using rate reserves to reduce land-based charges instead.
Approved:
Removed from Agenda:
To engage with Westlands Water District, contact the Fresno office at 559-224-1523 or visit their website. The next regular board meeting will be announced on the district's website and through normal notification channels.
