Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
SOD ag allocation could rise 1–3% above 25% within 24–48 hours, while Friant Division remains at 100% Class 1. Staff discussed forecasts suggesting a potentially record-strong El Niño heading into winter. The Board approved PFM Asset Management to manage ~$230M in project funds, projected to net $1.6–$1.7M after fees with a conservative strategy.
A 30-inch San Juan system pipeline was repaired after its third break; three long-term options (~$2.7M, ~$6.0M, ~$8.6M) were discussed with no action. Paicines has ~18–19 days of releases left at 22 AF/day; Hernandez is at dead pool. The board approved Reclamation conveyance/power agreements for potential Yuba transfers; combined losses could leave ~60% delivered.
Groundwater levels in the Arroyo Seco subbasin remain near sustainability targets following recent wet years; General Manager Weeks said demand management is not needed right now. A five-year Groundwater Sustainability Plan update is expected to be released for a 90-day public review in early September, with a public hearing planned for mid-January. Coastal seawater intrusion continues to pose a major unresolved challenge.
The board discussed plans to mail personalized water accounting statements and hold workshops for demand management outreach, noting the staffing transition is within the current budget. A member also flagged new subsidence reports across the Sacramento Valley. The board authorized counsel to finalize a county staffing MOU so a County Management Analyst can serve as CGA administrator, with the intent to transition away from the current third-party contractor over time.
Short-term demand forecasts were highly accurate (met 8 of 9 best practices); auditors recommended stronger documentation. Chair Member raised rising bills and affordability; staff said price elasticity will be considered in the next rate cycle. JPA audits noted San Francisquito Creek backlog and San Luis & Delta-Mendota deficiencies; committee discussed a board oversight framework and handbook review.
