August 2025 Other Meeting

TOP 3 MAJOR TAKEAWAYS:

Merced Subbasin GSA Finalizes Groundwater Allocation Rules for 2026 - The Merced Subbasin GSA adopted final sections of their groundwater allocation rule on June 4th, which becomes effective January 1st, 2026. Growers will need to submit forms for alternative water sources and recharge credits by December 15th each year, and those wanting to opt-in unirrigated parcels must do so by October 1st, 2025. Note that while Merced Subbasin GSA has finalized their rules, MIT GSA and Turner Island GSA-1 are still developing their allocation programs.

Domestic Well Mitigation Program Under Development - The GSAs are required by the Department of Water Resources to develop a program to help homeowners whose domestic wells go dry due to groundwater management activities. The committee discussed a reimbursement-based approach with caps on funding rather than GSAs directly contracting well drilling, and debated whether to cover wells retroactively or only moving forward from program adoption.

New State Subsidence Requirements May Increase Monitoring Costs - The Department of Water Resources released draft "best management practices" for land subsidence that could require monthly groundwater level monitoring and make GSAs responsible for mitigating subsidence impacts. The committee expressed concerns about increased costs and liability, with public comments due September 22nd.

OTHER KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Turner Island GSA-1 is drilling two new shallow wells to reduce deep aquifer pumping and help with subsidence issues, with completion expected by November 1st. They're also improving their main canal system and adding a small regulating reservoir.
• Merced Subbasin GSA is sending out 2024 usage statements soon as examples, followed by 2025 statements in November, using OpenET satellite data to track all water consumption.
• MIT GSA is beginning to develop policies for their next allocation period and sent out account statements to about 400 contacts, with plans to expand to about 1,600 agricultural groundwater users in August.
• The coordination committee approved minutes from October 16, 2024 and March 5, 2025 meetings.
• Groundwater levels have mostly recovered from the prior drought and remained relatively stable over the last two years, though some monitoring wells remain below minimum thresholds.
• Four new monitoring wells are being permitted across the subbasin with above and below Corcoran clay casings to measure each aquifer separately.
• MIT GSA secured funding to pay for flow meters on private wells, though landowners will cover installation costs.
• Self-Help Enterprises is currently providing emergency water services to 40 locations in Merced County due to dry or failing wells.

How to Engage:

Growers can contact their respective GSA staff for questions about allocation rules, well registration, or domestic well mitigation programs. Given that allocation programs are at different stages across the three GSAs, it's important to check with your specific GSA for current status. The next regular meeting date is to be determined and will be posted at mercedsgma.org.