1. Well Registration Still Below Target Despite July 1 Deadline Only 28% of parcels have registered their wells through the watermark website, well below the GSA's goals. The board decided not to implement penalties for late registration at this time, preferring to focus on budget discussions and other priorities before penalizing landowners. Registration remains open and the GSA is exploring ways to encourage participation through allocation policies.
2. Significant Subsidence Detected - Potential Water Restrictions Ahead Subsidence monitoring shows 2.5 feet of ground sinking in some areas, putting the GSA at 40% of the threshold that would trigger heavy pumping restrictions. Board members expressed concern about satellite data accuracy, but the GSA plans to expand its physical benchmark monitoring network to get better ground-based measurements. This subsidence threatens critical infrastructure and could lead to mandatory pumping reductions.
3. Water Quality Monitoring Program Being Developed Under State Pressure The state is requiring comprehensive water quality testing as part of GSP implementation, despite original SGMA legislation not explicitly mandating it. The GSA is developing a plan with 26 testing sites across different zones and may need to ask growers to allow sampling of their wells. This adds significant costs to the budget, with preliminary estimates around $21 per acre-foot in pumping fees to fund operations.
Domestic Well Mitigation Program in Development - The GSA investigated 8 domestic wells served by Self Help Enterprises and found many issues may be maintenance-related rather than water level problems caused by GSA actions.
Budget Planning for Fees - Preliminary budget numbers suggest around $21 per acre-foot in pumping fees, with the grower committee preferring a single flat rate across all zones rather than tiered pricing.
JPA Amendment Progress - A draft amendment to add two board seats is circulating between member agency attorneys, with some wording changes being made but no significant structural changes to the selection process.
Officer Appointments - The board reappointed current officers: Joe Nevs as Chair, Seal as Vice-Chair, and Frank Gornick as Secretary. Michael was appointed Treasurer.
Next Grower Advisory Committee Meeting - Scheduled for July 31 at 9:00 AM in the same location.
Tulare Lake Subbasin Lawsuit Update - The Farm Bureau lawsuit stay remains in place with no timeline for circuit court decision, keeping state fee collection on hold.
Southwest Kings GSA Merger Interest - Southwest Kings GSA expressed interest in merging with South Fork Kings, though board members questioned the financial benefits given Southwest Kings' lack of funding.
How to Engage: The next board meeting is August 21, 2025. Growers can provide public comment at meetings or contact the GSA at office@southforkkings.org. The Grower Advisory Committee meets July 31 at 9:00 AM and provides direct input on policies affecting agricultural operations.
