Only 3 of 22 Tier 2 wells are in compliance, and required filers’ first extraction reports are due November 1. Staff plans to discuss possible Tier 3 violation notices with counsel in November; none were approved. The GSP evaluation found no undesirable results for 2019–25, and a compiled draft is expected by late October. Solomon Hills reported Montecito and Cadiz water arrangements; its representative said the project does not plan to pump San Antonio Basin groundwater.
Staff and GSI reviewed draft Chapters 2–4 of the GSP 5-Year Periodic Evaluation (water years 2019–2025), noting brief minimum-threshold exceedances in some representative wells during critical/below-normal years that later recovered. Five DWR recommended corrective actions were discussed, with updates anticipated ahead of the 10-year review. Board discussion noted pumping management as a key lever for groundwater storage recovery.
The five-year groundwater sustainability plan evaluation launches next month, with draft chapters being presented at upcoming board meetings and public comments accepted now via the executive director. Compliance enforcement is progressing — Tier 3 warning letters produced eight new well registrations, and Tier 2 warning letters are expected in 7–10 days. The County well meter rebate program still has funding; three Basin applications remain incomplete.
Warning letters were mailed to Tier 3 landowners with 30- and 60-day deadlines for registration and meter compliance forms. The five-year GSP periodic evaluation is underway, with draft sections reviewed monthly and board approval targeted for November. FY 2025–26 ended after spending ~55.6% of the operating budget, with net income of ~$291.36.
Board approved sending certified warning letters to Tier 2 well owners and Tier 3 landowners (39 APNs, 23 owners) with 30/60-day deadlines from the letter date; penalties may reach $1,000 plus $100/day (or $500/AF excess). Staff reported 286 registered wells with 78% compliance; Tier 3 well count unknown. Board adopted the $550k FY 26-27 budget and approved $120k GSI 5-year evaluation due Jan 21, 2027.
