PVWD/GSA Water Policy Committee

 PVWD/GSA Water Policy Committee 

FORMULA METHOD 

August 9th, 2023 (10:00am) 

Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant 

24505 W Dorris Ave, Coalinga, CA 93210 

Chair: Joe Lovelace 

Members: Brad Gleason, Kyle Murai, Jim Nichols 

Guests: Calvin Monreal, Ken Schmidt, David Kahn, Jim Eisenhardt 

1. 1) Review of Minutes from the July 5th, Water Policy Committee Meeting a. Review and Approve minutes 

1. 1. 2) Overview of the Formula Method Components a. Calculating Allocations 
   2. b. Establishing Curtailments 
   3. c. Water Credit System 

3) Open Discussion on comparing the Simplistic Method, the Formula Method and a Hybrid Method 

4) Discuss a Policy for an alternate way of measuring water usage if meter is not working 

5) Questions and Comments 

PVWD/GSA Water Policy Committee Meeting Minutes 

July 5, 2023 

The Pleasant Valley Water District GSA (Groundwater Sustainability Agency) Water Policy Committee met on July 5th, 2023, in the Belmont Room of the Harris Ranch Inn, 24505 W Dorris Ave, Coalinga, CA 93210. Directors present were Joe Lovelace, Committee Chair; Brad Gleason, President, Craig Finster, Kyle Murai, Jim Nichols, Dustin Walker which represented a quorum. There were also several guests present including Ken Schmidt, the district’s Hydrogeologist, Calvin Monreal, the district’s Engineer and David Kahn, the district’s legal counsel. 

Mr. Schmidt presented the Arizona Method (Simplistic Method) to the group. This method is based on pumping and water level changes to eliminate overdraft over a 25–30-year period that is broken down into 5-year increments of reduced pumping to achieve the desired goals. Water levels are measured semi-annually in spring and fall. Pumping is mandated if the wells are over 70 gallons. Calculations are made on a “ranch by ranch” basis. 

The “5-year plan” is to gather 5 years of pumping data in individual landowner areas; calculate the pumping over the 5 years, and measure overdraft through water level changes and specific yield. They do not use a groundwater budget. Rather, it is a measure of input and output. The important measurement here is not where the water level is, but if it is going down and at what rate. Curtailments are then established on a “ranch by ranch” basis for the next – increment. 

The Casing Hammer Well was explained by Mr. Schmidt. Monitoring wells: The purpose is to analyze Vadose zone- look at EC (electrical conductivity) and nitrates and analyze how far deep percolation has progressed. Measures the upper 30-40ft of ground water level. Estimated timing for first well construction is “Fall”. 

The group agreed that Mr. Lovelace and Mr. Gleason will meet to review data to start modeling the Arizona method. Mr. Lovelace will try and have something modeled before the next meeting in 2 weeks. 

The group decided that it will continue to do committee meetings in person due to a quorum being established. The next meeting date is TBD.