Groundwater levels rose ~3 feet and storage increased ~44,000 acre-feet in Water Year 2025; staff reported groundwater levels, quality (specific conductivity), and subsidence criteria showed no exceedances. May–Aug 2026 are key months for domestic well mitigation/registry discussion, minimum thresholds, and interconnected surface water. Draft periodic evaluation/updates targeted by late summer; adoption by year-end. RFP in progress.
Two surface-water options to offset pumping were presented: South Vina Extension (~6,970 AFY) and Ridge to Valley (1,500–3,500 AFY), with delivered costs discussed at ~$300–$425/AF vs. $60–$80/AF pumping. Demand reduction work highlighted extended orchard replacement and small-farm precision irrigation. Lindo Channel work suggested ~20–100 AF/day of added recharge when flow occurs.
Lindo Channel appears to provide ~100 acre-feet/day of recharge when flowing, with a final report due in early April. Presentations suggested the ~10,000 AF/year overdraft can be managed via recharge, surface water supply, and demand reduction—especially extended orchard replacement. Two surface-water options were presented, but costs exceed pumping rates, so incentives/grants may be needed.
The Board approved formation of a Financial and Administrative Systems Ad Hoc Committee to guide the transition toward greater operational independence, with two members serving for nine months. A $536,000 contract amendment was approved to support groundwater monitoring well installation targeted for late February or early March. Recharge feasibility work is advancing, with a potential pilot site on Comanche Creek under active development.
Board reviewed groundwater monitoring and minimum thresholds, directing staff to prepare comparative analyses of 2022 versus 2025 data using consistent methodology and a matrix of DWR corrective actions. The board also discussed an interconnected surface water monitoring network and a domestic well mitigation framework, asking staff to research neighboring approaches and bring back options.
