The groundwater replenishment assessment rate is proposed to increase to $255/acre-foot for FY 2026-27, with staff recommending a public hearing on June 16, 2026 as the anticipated date to set rates. The State Water Project Table A allocation jumped from 30% to 45% despite below-average snowpack, boosting recharge supply availability. The groundwater basin continues to improve, with 264,000 acre-feet of artificial recharge producing a net 156,000 acre-foot increase in storage last year.
San Gorgonio Pass Subbasin saw a second year of positive groundwater storage change (~4,000 AF). Directors questioned future supply amid potential growth (Director Gracia referenced ~30,000 homes). Staff reported $9.7M in grants/partnerships since 2020. Draft six-level shortage plan presented; adoption set for June 2, 2026. Board approved SSMP 2026 update.
Board approved an agreement with Itron to advance the AMI smart metering rollout, supported by $875K in grants. Staff reported outreach with Palm Springs and Cathedral City ahead of Ordinance 80 enforcement; turf removal saves ~92M gal/yr. GM reported a draft Sites Reservoir water right decision issued Mar 20 with comments due May 22; five contract issues remain.
Board voted 3-2 against solar at Wells 17/33/34, citing operational risk, conservation-driven runtime uncertainty, tight ITC timelines, and staff capacity. SGMA reports showed strong conditions: Indio added 137,000 AF in WY 2024-25; Mission Creek added ~4,900 AF with long-term storage averages near zero (balanced).
Colorado River negotiations are uncertain, with directors warning California could face major supply reductions after 2026. The board received reports on about $6 billion in State Water Project infrastructure needs, with SB 872 pursued for legislative relief, and heard that a key Sites Reservoir water right remains delayed. No major actions were taken beyond unanimous consent calendar approval.
