Consultants reported the basin is being overdrafted at roughly 1 acre-foot per acre annually, and staff said 2027 pumping allocations will likely change, with specific options to be presented within 30–60 days. Over half of the subsidence management zones have exceeded 50% of their minimum threshold triggers, with conditions accelerating into irrigation season. Staff also reported that the State Water Board is considering a new exclusion application fee ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
The board approved a cost-share MOU to fund unified Tule Subbasin technical work aimed at exiting state probation, and authorized a compensation analysis for a new Voluntary Land Repurposing Program offering 20-year irrigation restriction payments to enrolled landowners. Staff said the GSA is not on track for subsidence thresholds and will develop a draft subsidence plan and potential zone-based pumping caps for fall review.
Groundwater consumption fees for 2026 were approved at $167.20/AF for the transitional tier. The resolution reinstates a one-for-one future-year allocation reduction for exceedances. District staff relayed that SWRCB is developing an interim plan that could include allocation limits or a moratorium if coordination fails by end of 2027.
State regulators appear to be moving ahead with probation fees; staff discussed an estimate of ~$2.3M for Pixley if charged $20/AF on ~118,000 AF of estimated extractions, with a hearing on April 21; Growers are urged to comment. Kaweah/Tule Water Banking Investigation Shows Promise; staff discussed starting allocation talks in June/July aiming for a September decision. The board unanimously approved joining a subbasin-wide effort to consolidate into one Groundwater Sustainability Plan.
Groundwater averaged 173.3 ft depth this spring (vs 175 ft last spring); staff noted spring 2014 was 176 ft. Staff are awaiting a State Board staff report on Pixley’s exclusion request; if not excluded, May 1 reporting applies. The Kaweah/Tule banking investigation aims for a first draft in ~30 days; a joint meeting is tentatively Apr 29.
