As we all step into 2026 let’s take a moment to reflect on 2025. The Greater Kaweah GSA had lots going on this past year, let’s look at the highlights!
Fallowing Program
The Greater Board of Directors initiated its third year of their Land Fallowing Program and changing it up to a first-come, first-serve application process paying a flat rate of $400 per acre. 25 growers participated in the 2025 program fallowing 3,358 acres with a total payout of just over $1.3 million. Look for announcements for the upcoming 2026 program.
State Board Pass-Back to DWR
In of the most exciting achievements for the Greater Kaweah and the Kaweah Subbasin as a whole, on December 2, 2025 the State Water Resources Control Board in Sacramento voted to officially remove the Kaweah Subbasin from the treat of probation and pass oversight back to the California Department of Water Resources. The State Board action acknowledged the significant work the GSA made in revising the Groundwater Sustainability and supported the elements developed to reach sustainability by 2040. This has been a multi-year effort and the Greater thanks their GSA partners for a monumental, collaborative effort!
Transfer Policy Eased
On October 13, 2025 the Greater Board of Directors voted to ease off some of the restrictions relating to groundwater transfers, allowing growers more flexibility and options to manage their water supplies. See the Fourth Amended Rules and Regulations for details.
Implementation of GSP
With significant progress on the re-drafting of the Subbasins GSPs, the Subbasin established Core Teams made up of GSA staff and consultants to wade more deeply into implementing of the GSPs. Look for more detail to come on specific projects and programs being implemented!
Mitigation Plan – Responsible for any domestic wells that have gone dry due to groundwater overdraft, the Greater teamed up with Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) to help provide long-term solutions. In 2025 three wells were replaced under this program and we thank SHE for their great partnership!
Groundwater Dependent Directors Engage in Policy
At the end of 2024 the Greater Board of Directors voted to add two new Director positions to the Board. These two new positions are significant in that they specifically represent groundwater dependent growers in Kings and in Tulare County. New Directors De Groot and Van Groningen immediately stepped in and contributed to strategic discussion and agency decisions.
Water Importation
The Greater Board of Directors has always approached groundwater sustainability management by looking at solutions from both the supply side and demand side. In December of 2025, with its partner Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District, the Greater was able to import 600-acre feet of CVP Class 1 water into the Kaweah River system, recharging the groundwater table. We hope this is a first in many such opportunities and partners to help sustainability from the supply side!
New Office
Greater Kaweah Board and staff were excited mid-year to move their office and Board Room to 227 N West Street in Downtown Visalia. The facilities allow us to best serve our customers and Kaweah Subbasin meetings and activities. Many, many thanks to our partners at Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District in Farmersville for supporting and housing us for so many years!!
State of the Subbasin
The Kaweah Subbasin held the 2nd annual State of the Subbasin event at the Tulare International Agri-Center to update stakeholders and growers on the status of our Groundwater Sustainability Plan revised draft and its implementation. With close to 300 attendees, GSA staff and technical consultants provided details of Subbasin work achieved and upcoming direction. Make sure to look for notice of the 2026 gathering likely occur late Summer to Fall.
Greater Open House
Continuing a successful program, several Greater Open House events were held in 2025 with various subjects aim at providing education, answering questions, and receiving feedback on Greater rules and regulations, Water Dashboard website use, and other programs. Look for 2026 Greater Open House events throughout the year!
Daily ET
At the December 8, 2025, Board of Directors meeting, the Greater Board approved the addition of Land IQ’s Daily ET for grower’s use in tracking and managing their water resources. The Board believes the daily water accounting will allow a grower to manage water proactively, saving water resources, time and expense. Look for upcoming virtual and in-person events on the new options and how to utilize Land IQ’s Daily ET!
A Consultant ‘Thank You!’
Closing the year wouldn’t be complete without thanking our Greater Kaweah consultant teams at 4Creeks and Thomas Harder & Company for their technical expertise and tireless work. This thanks also extends to the Subbasin team consultants INTERA, Provost and Pritchard, and Montgomery and Associates. What tremendous teamwork!