Staff presented feasibility studies on Salinas River diversion concepts to help address seawater intrusion, noting potentially usable volumes from several thousand to tens of thousands of acre-feet annually depending on diversion size, with major storage likely needed. A project concept was discussed to serve the coastal area between CSIP and Salinas. Staff said the April 30 DWR response will focus on the decision-making process, not final project selection.
The Budget & Finance Committee received financial reports and provided feedback on draft fiscal year 2027 budget assumptions, including a proposal to collect some uncertain future project costs through valley-wide Tier 1 fees that could later be reconciled with Tier 2 fees. With major state grants winding down, previously grant-funded activities may shift to fee-based funding. The committee also reviewed demand management incentive programs recommended for Board consideration.
In the Forebay and Upper Valley, analysts found no significant correlation between nitrate trends and pumping or groundwater levels; the same held for Upper Valley gross alpha. The committee favored no new water-quality action levels now, with a repeat analysis at the five-year review after the current cycle. It approved remote meetings, subject to six-month board renewal and an in-person public room, and set April 9 as its next meeting. A 50-year model projected modest declines.
At its January 29 meeting, the joint committee heard that DWR requested more information on the 180/400-Foot Aquifer Subbasin plan by April 30. Staff outlined April 1 annual reports and January 2027 periodic evaluations, with possible plan amendments, including reconsideration of a seawater intrusion measurable objective. Deep-aquifer extraction has more than doubled in 15 years, and a draft management framework is planned for public review.
At a joint meeting, the Forebay and Upper Valley committees approved their October minutes. Staff outlined a GSP evaluation due January 2027 and planned amendments addressing state feedback on water quality and interconnected surface water. Members discussed sub-basin-specific drought planning and better acreage data to help interpret forthcoming Water Year 2025 pumping figures.
