Irrigated acreage fell to 109,571 acres, reaching the plan's acreage-based sustainability target ahead of schedule, though demand must still be confirmed against supply. The district anticipates a 30% SWP allocation and limited banking activity, with no non-contract water available this year. Golden mussel detections are spreading; grower notice letters and treatment options are under review.
Resolution ST GSA 26-03 was adopted by roll call vote, finalizing civil penalties for 2025 water budget exceedances (up to $500/AF) with a $1,000 delinquency penalty for non-payment within 45 days. The Board approved a draft landowner recharge policy governing landowner-built recharge facilities, with an implementing agreement to be drafted by counsel; landowners are credited 80% of recharged water at the non-contract rate while the district retains 20%.
Board adopted the 2025 Agricultural Water Management Plan and adopted a resolution preliminarily setting $500/acre-foot penalties for 2025 water budget exceedances, with a noticed public hearing at next month’s meeting (April). GM reported acreage/demand trends and acknowledged landowners may bundle ownerships to reduce charges.
The board is moving forward with a new daily ET monitoring tool, giving growers more frequent ET and precipitation data tied to their water budgets. Staff presented a draft policy framework for permanent landowner recharge facilities with an 80/20 benefit split. The district is monitoring invasive golden mussels and watching west side treatment trials before pursuing similar actions.
The board formed a committee to expedite development of a groundwater banking policy for landowner-funded recharge facilities, responding to urgency from stakeholders ready to invest private capital. The district reported retiring nearly 19,000 acres and reducing demand by over 54,000 acre-feet since 2017, though supplemental water acquisition remains below targets. All monitoring wells showed groundwater elevations above minimum thresholds, demonstrating SGMA compliance.
