Special to WaterWrights.net

WaterWrights.net is now sharing Updates in partnership with our friends at WaterOne.ai. We all know SGMA is evolving rapidly. And this is another step for us to keep everyone informed. Some AI was used in creating this report.

Must Knows This Week

Lake Powell Could Fall to Just 10 Feet Above Minimum Power Pool as Colorado River Inflow Drops

Metropolitan Water District reported that projected inflow to Lake Powell has dropped to about 5 million acre-feet (52% of average), with worsening hydrology driven by heat and dry conditions. The reservoir could fall below 3,500 feet later this year — approaching minimum power pool at 3,490 feet. Reclamation has already cut releases to Lake Mead, and basin states missed the February 14 deadline for a consensus framework on new operating guidelines. Read More

Groundwater Management Actions Are Accelerating Across the State — Fees, Cuts, and Costly Projects Ahead

Growers in multiple basins face new financial and operational realities this spring. STRGBA GSA reported 35% of Eastern wells below minimum thresholds, with Non-District East farmers facing ~16,000 AF/year in pumping reductions starting January 2027. Paso Robles is targeting a May 27 public meeting for a $20–$30/AF Prop 26 volumetric fee. Yolo GSA heads to a May 18 hearing with a tiered fee up to $7.94/acre for undistricted ag. And Fox Canyon GMA introduced a study showing basin-wide pumping ramp-downs are likely avoidable — but only if two costly water supply projects proceed, though localized reductions may still be needed. Staff warned assessments could increase “by a multiple, not by a percentage.”

Amazon Data Center Deal to Double Recycled Water Storage in South Santa Clara County

Santa Clara Valley Water District reported that Amazon is paying for a mile of new pipeline and storage expansion that will double SCRWA’s recycled water storage capacity — enabling simultaneous filling and distribution. The data center will use approximately 300 acre-feet per year according to staff estimates presented at the committee, but a broader feasibility study found little to no additional wastewater effluent is available during summer peak demand. Read More

Trends in the Valley

Annual Reports Are In — And the News Is Mixed

At least eight agencies submitted or discussed WY2025 annual reports this week. Colusa Groundwater Authority showed continued storage gains but uneven recovery along western boundary wells. Paso Robles reported three Alpamar wells below minimum thresholds for two consecutive years — identified in the agency’s annual report as an undesirable result under its GSP. Meanwhile, Vina GSA submitted early (staff reported it was the fourth in the state) with no threshold exceedances and storage up ~44,000 AF.

Golden Mussel Efforts Continue

Golden mussel prevention and response came up in multiple meetings. Kern County Water Agency continued its CVC emergency action with Dudek engaged to scope treatment facility design and a control plan (due by April 6). Friant Water Authority reported a $408,000 Dudek/RNT contract for comprehensive golden mussel response, including vulnerability analysis, noting Millerton Lake’s water chemistry may be low-risk, though this preliminary assessment is still under investigation. Metropolitan Water District discussed golden mussel prevention during Sacramento advocacy briefings.

CVP Allocations Bumped — But Don’t Celebrate Yet

The Bureau of Reclamation raised South-of-Delta CVP agricultural allocations from 15% to 20% and M&I from 65% to 70%. San Benito County gained ~2,200 AF but GM Jacobson cautioned further increases may not materialize. Santa Clara Valley Water District gained ~7,500 AF. Separately, Friant Water Authority — whose own Class 1 allocation remains at 100% — projected that the South-of-Delta ag allocation could ultimately reach 25–40% depending on hydrology.

About WaterOne:

WaterOne is a Fresno-based water management firm serving Central Valley growers, founded by a team from Stanford that combines agricultural expertise with AI engineering. The team offers easy-to-adapt water management tools designed for SGMA. The company actively monitors GSA and irrigation district board meetings, maintaining a database of rule changes for each district while working directly with growers across the Central Valley. You can access their updates on major meetings at GSAs, Irrigation Districts, and State Board from their GSA Database from https://gsa.waterone.ai

About the Team:

Ryo Takanashi is Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer at WaterOne. He brings extensive expertise in commodity trading and agricultural engineering. As the youngest Chief Corn Trader for Japan’s largest commercial importer, Ryo managed 20% of the country’s corn imports while stationed in Kansas and Minneapolis. With an Urban Engineering background, he combines technical infrastructure knowledge with hands-on commodity market experience that required constant analysis of crop conditions, yield forecasts, and supply chain logistics. He holds MS-MBA from Stanford.

Tomo Kumahira is Co-Founder & CEO of WaterOne. Prior to starting WaterOne, Tomo managed one of Africa’s largest agro-forestry operations as CFO, partnering with small-scale 30,000 farmers and covering 40% of commercial afforestation in Kenya. He began his career in natural resources investment at Mitsubishi Corporation. Tomo holds MS-MBA from Stanford (Knight-Hennessy Scholar and Rotary Global Scholar).

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