Saucelito Irrigation District GSA began applying a native groundwater allocation of 0.27 acre-feet per acre on October 1, 2026. Geivet called the subbasinwide figure a starting point; ET-based consumption is no longer an option for the new GSA year. Growers were urged to use surface water first. A draft would leave 10% of recharged water in the ground, but growers currently receive full credit. Staff is developing a subsidence plan as the state considers a Friant-Kern Canal pumping moratorium.
Staff projected that 1,500–1,700 acre-feet of paid-for water could remain unused after October, with cooler weather expected to lower demand. Regular operations are scheduled to pause November 1 through January for pump-station work; January pond use would depend on an early, flood-related canal restart. Board members discussed alerting growers that delivery options may narrow but set no notice deadline. The board approved the financial statements without voiced opposition.
The board adopted the Saucelito Groundwater Sustainability Plan and approved eliminating the ET method for tracking groundwater extraction, requiring meter readings only beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The board also approved making Sept. 1 turnback water available as an emergency pool for growers who exhaust their allocation at the standard rate plus $25.
Growers face a Sept. 1 deadline to commit to surface water, and staff urged use of available surface water. Groundwater pumping is now metered and being monitored, including discussion of the existing $5,000 penalty for unreported active wells. A Friant-Kern subsidence plan is due by year-end; possible tighter pumping/recharge rules were discussed.
Board approved joining the sub-basin cost-share MOU to pursue a coordinated single GSP (~$67,664 if DEID out; ~$59,000 if in). Staff reviewed draft rules/regs: if a meter fails, usage would revert to ET; staff plans to bring penalty/enforcement updates next month. GSP not expected by next week; stakeholder meeting to be postponed.
