EKI Environment and Water selected as new GSP implementation consultant: The board approved a multi-year contract with EKI Environment and Water for $976,300 to implement the Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan. EKI was chosen over Todd Groundwater because they offered a 30% lower cost for base services and provided innovative optional services including a dashboard for tracking GSA progress and grant application support. The contract will be executed through discrete subtasks over the next 2-3 years, with TID paying 51% of the total cost.
Optional services included for enhanced implementation support: The board approved including EKI's optional services totaling $243,000, which include developing a public dashboard to track GSP implementation progress, updating and recalibrating the groundwater model, and providing grant application support for Proposition 4 funding opportunities. These optional services will only be triggered on an as-needed basis with joint Technical Advisory Committee approval and available budget.
Smooth transition from previous consultant planned: The transition from Todd Groundwater to EKI will include transferring the existing groundwater model data while maintaining model integrity to ensure consistent representation of basin conditions. Staff emphasized this type of consultant transition is common and not problematic, though they will monitor the process to ensure continuity in plan implementation and modeling results.
The GSA cast a wide net for consultant proposals and received two qualified responses that both met the required scope of work.
EKI has extensive experience working with over 20 subbasins throughout California on SGMA implementation, including nearby areas like Delta Mendota and Consumnes.
The current budgeting projections can support the EKI contract costs over the 2-3 year implementation period.
As implementation progresses, some adjustments to monitoring well locations and groundwater level thresholds may be needed based on operational experience.
Board members praised TID's leadership in the subbasin, noting the success compared to struggles in the neighboring Modesto subbasin.
The availability of surface water through TID has been crucial for transitioning Turlock and Ceres off groundwater pumping.
Approved:
For questions or additional information about GSP implementation, contact Jennifer Land at the Turlock Irrigation District. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Public comments are welcome at all meetings, and remote participation options are available.
