Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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At their July 16 joint meeting, the Forebay and Upper Valley committees discussed 10 potential demand-management measures in a developing contingency framework targeted for board consideration this fall. Members discussed drought-related fallowing and reservoir operations; staff said the GSA does not control releases and DWR expects demand-management planning. Forebay approved its April 28 minutes with a date correction; Upper Valley separately approved its minutes.
The board discussed strong water supply conditions with balanced allocations and significantly reduced groundwater pumping demonstrating successful groundwater management. Key focus areas included implementing federal executive orders for increased water supply and launching new science initiatives to challenge regulatory restrictions on water deliveries.
The board approved a regional water banking feasibility study and reduced 2025 water allocations due to updated overdraft calculations, while moving forward with collection procedures for unpaid groundwater fees. Multiple implementation projects are progressing including domestic well mitigation and mandatory well registration requirements.
The committee received positive news that State Water Resources Control Board staff is developing a report to recommend moving the subbasin to DWR oversight, expected for a November 4th hearing. The committee also approved 2026 water allocations with no changes from 2025 levels and discussed significant budget increases through a proposed Proposition 218 land-based assessment that could raise rates from $7.45 to as much as $27 per acre maximum.
The board approved a significant assessment rate increase to $179 per acre (up from $140.50) to fund water purchases and maintain cash flow, representing the maximum allowed under their previous Proposition 218 election. The district continues under state board probation with an exclusion request pending and faces ongoing challenges with only 51% well registration compliance among landowners.
