Top 3 Major Takeaways
Water Market Development Moving Forward
The board approved development of a simple water allocation exchange program (water market) within the Central Management Area (CMA). This will allow landowners in good financial standing to trade water allocations with each other through a free-market approach, with basic administrative oversight but no board approval required for individual trades. The program is designed to help farmers like those with perennial crops who need additional water to maintain their investments.
Ventucopa Management Area Evaluation Timeline Set
The board directed staff to proceed with a comprehensive analysis of whether water allocations should be expanded to the Ventucopa Management Area. Staff will assess data availability and model performance by September, with a technical analysis to be presented at the November board meeting. This could potentially affect farming operations in the Ventucopa area if allocations are eventually implemented there.
New CIMIS Weather Stations Approved
The board approved installation costs under $63,000 for a CIMIS weather station at Sunridge Nursery and approved the required Department of Water Resources agreement. These stations will provide better evapotranspiration data for the basin, which could influence future allocation calculations and water management decisions.
Board Secretary Position:
Director Matthew Young was elected as the new board secretary to replace the retired Ventura County representative.
SAC Meeting Participation:
The board clarified that directors can attend Standing Advisory Committee meetings for informational purposes but should limit participation to avoid Brown Act violations, particularly when asking clarifying questions about data or presentations.
Carryover Policy Delayed:
Discussion of a carryover policy that would allow farmers to roll over unused water allocations was postponed, with most board members feeling it's premature until after the ongoing adjudication process is resolved.
Regional Management Analysis Postponed:
Plans to analyze water management needs outside current management areas were put on hold to focus resources on the Ventucopa area evaluation first.
Monitoring Well Updates:
The board approved technical changes to monitoring wells, including revising minimum thresholds for Well 118 and replacing destroyed Well 608 with a nearby replacement well.
Grant Extension:
The DWR grant was extended through December 2025 primarily to complete the CIMIS station installations.
New Development Concerns:
Board members expressed ongoing concerns about new agricultural development outside management areas and directed staff to develop policy options for addressing expanded pumping beyond current restrictions.
