1. Two Surface Water Supply Projects Identified to Reduce Groundwater Pumping — But Costs Are High for Growers A feasibility study evaluated two projects to bring surface water to groundwater-dependent farms in south Vina: the South Vina Extension (using Western Canal Water District infrastructure, ~6,970 acre-feet/year) and the Ridge to Valley Project (using unused Paradise Irrigation District water via Butte Creek, 1,500–3,500 acre-feet/year). However, estimated delivered water costs range from ~$300 to over $425/acre-foot — far above current pumping costs of $60–$80/acre-foot. The presenter noted grant funding could potentially offset capital costs and discussed the need for an incentive/cost-sharing structure to make projects pencil out, and emphasized that landowners would need to agree to reduce groundwater pumping by an equal amount to any surface water received.
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