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UKIAH VALLEY BASIN
GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
AGENDA
County of Mendocino Conference Room B
501 Low Gap Road ♦ Ukiah, CA 95482
To participate or view the virtual meeting, go to the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84136430721
Alternatively, you may view the meeting (without participating) by clicking on the date and name of the meeting at
www.cityofukiah.com/meetings, then go to the media tab.
March 5, 2025 - 1:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
2. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
The Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Technical Advisory Committee welcomes input from the audience.
If there is a matter of business on the agenda that you are interested in, you may address the Committee when this matter is
considered. If you wish to speak on a matter that is not on this agenda that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the
Technical Advisory Committee, you may do so at this time. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments to
three (3) minutes per person and not more than ten (10) minutes per subject. The Brown Act regulations do not allow action to
be taken on audience comments in which the subject is not listed on the agenda.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.a. Approval of the Minutes for the December 11, 2024, TAC Meeting.
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes for the December 11, 2024, TAC Meeting.
Attachments:
1. 2024-12-11 Draft UVBGSA TAC Minutes
4. NEW BUSINESS
4.a. Discussion and Adoption Regarding Order of Agenda.
Recommended Action: Hold discussion and take action with possible additions or deletions of
agenda sections; followed by approving by roll call vote the order of the agenda.
4.b. Presentation Regarding the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) WaterSmart Grant-
funded Ukiah Valley Basin (UVB) Project Entitled, "Creating Long-Term Water Supply Resiliency
for Ukiah Valley and Upper Russian River".
4.c. Discussion Regarding the Request for Proposal (RFP) Process for Solicitation in Support of the
Upper Russion River Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem and Interconnected Surface Water.
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5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.a. Annual Report on Water Year 2024 Ukiah Valley Basin Annual Report and Update on Well-
Monitoring Study.
6. MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND SET NEXT MEETING DATE
7.a. Discussion and Consideration of Future Agenda Items and Scheduling of Next Meeting Date
with Meeting to be Held at County of Mendocino Conference Room B at 501 Low Gap Rd.,
Ukiah, CA 95482, at 1:00 p.m.
Recommended Action: Discuss and get consensus to hold the next meeting on May 7, 2025, or
another day of the Members' choosing.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Please be advised that the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) needs to be
notified 24 hours in advance of a meeting if any specific accommodations or interpreter services are needed in order for you to attend. GSA
TAC complies with ADA requirements and will attempt to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities upon request. Materials related
to an item on this Agenda submitted to the GSA TAC Members after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at the
front counter at the Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00
am to 5:00 pm. Any handouts or presentation materials from the public must be submitted to the clerk 48 hours in advance of the meeting; for
handouts, please include 10 copies.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted on the bulletin board at
the main entrance of the City of Ukiah City Hall, located at 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California; and at 501 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, CA
95482; not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting set forth on this agenda.
Kristine Lawler, CMC/CPMC
Dated: 2/28/25
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UKIAH VALLEY BASIN GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
340 Lake Mendocino Drive Ukiah California 95482 (707)463-4363 fax (707)463-5474
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Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
Draft Meeting Summary
December 11, 2024
1.Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Salomone called the meeting to order 9:32.
TAC Members Present: Elizabeth Salomone (RRFC), Laurel Marcus (CLSI), Ken Todd (URRWA), Amber Fisette
(County of Mendocino), Adam Gaska (Agricultural Representative) Sean White, City of Ukiah; and Joe
Scriven, Mendocino County RCD member, Chris Watts (RRFC)
TAC Members Absent: None
Others Present: Harry Starkey and Sarah Faraola from West Yost; Audra Bardsley, Camille L. and Laura Foglia
of Larry Walker & Associates (LWA); Laurel Marcus (CLSI), Marlyana Bourbonnais Duley (County of
Mendocino), Monico Nieto (EPA), Madeline Cline (Board of Supervisors)
2.Approval of Agenda
Chair Salomone reviewed the day’s agenda and covered the meeting protocol. Member Gaska moved to
approve the agenda with no revisions, Member Todd seconded. None opposed.
3.Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda
No public comment.
4.Representative Monitoring Network
During the meeting, Audra (LWA) provided an update on groundwater level (GWL) monitoring. The
board approved funding for five representative monitoring points (RMPs) with identified sustainable
management criteria (SMCs). Water level sensors and telemetry instruments were installed at three wells
(UV-1, UV-32, UV-27 replacement) to improve basin characterization and reduce the need for in-person
monitoring. The status of other wells was discussed: UV-36 is integrated into Ukiah’s SCADA network,
while the Redwood Valley DWR site is pending. Sarah Faraola emphasized that communication with
landowners should be handled by DWR, and Adam volunteered to contact the Redwood Valley
landowner.
Audra outlined the next steps, including identifying a non-RMP well to add to the network. GSA
Administrator Starkey inquired about the long-term vision for the monitoring network, and Laura Foglia
explained the need to analyze data from the seven monitored wells over 4-5 years to develop
sustainable management criteria. Sean White suggested using publicly owned sites to avoid future
landowner issues, though Amber Fisette noted that initial outreach to schools for monitoring did not
receive feedback. Laura mentioned that LWA is developing an automated QA/QC process for state data.
Audra also updated on the network's status, noting that some wells were no longer responding to
AGENDA ITEM 3a
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UKIAH VALLEY BASIN GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
340 Lake Mendocino Drive Ukiah California 95482 (707)463-4363 fax (707)463-5474
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telemetry systems, prompting LWA to install new telemetry and integrate it into their sensor network.
DWR will take over four sites and coordinate with LWA.
5.Russian River Telemetry Project
Audra (LWA) provided an update on a project that falls outside the scope of the work being conducted for
the GSA. LWA was approached to offer input on this project, and they reviewed the draft recommendation
document, providing comments. They clarified that the GSA is only interested in groundwater levels, not
pumping data, and emphasized the importance of accurately representing the monitoring network. Laurel
Marcus then outlined the potential objectives of the telemetry project, which include regulating water
rights. She also highlighted a lack of understanding from the project team regarding the level of effort
required for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC).
6.Interconnected Surface Water Study
Audra (LWA) provided an update on the newly awarded CDFW grant. The ISW-GDE study will identify areas
within the basin to address data gaps and understand the timing and interconnectivity between surface
water and groundwater. The full requested amount of the grant was received from CDFW. The scope of
work includes tracking spatial and temporal trends and preparing for the 2027 Periodic Evaluation.
Chair Solomone led a discussion on forming an ad hoc committee within the TAC to develop
recommendations for the RFP criteria. GSA Administrator Starkey noted that West Yost has not started
developing the RFP and will begin after the CDFW grant agreement is approved at the January 11, 2025,
Board meeting via resolution. Sean White suggested forming an ad hoc committee to review the RFP and
advise West Yost’s GSA staff. Sean, Adam, and Amber will form the ad hoc committee and provide
comments on the draft RFP developed by West Yost.
7.TAC Business
Chair Solomone states that the TAC will return to a more formal setting, similar to pre-COVID times, to
create a more effective 'working group' meeting environment. There will be a discussion on the necessary
frequency of meetings to advise LWA, GSA Staff, or the Board, with potential dates including mid to late
February, late spring, and autumn. Additionally, the meeting will cover the potential transition of GSA
administration from West Yost to the City of Ukiah, with the intent to streamline roles and responsibilities
for future operations. The City has provided a draft contract to the County, and the only anticipated impact
is on the scheduling of meetings.
8.Consent Items
Meeting minutes from the March meeting will be approved at the next TAC meeting.
9.Information Items
Chair Salomone provided an update on the SGMA 10-year anniversary and DWR FacilitaƟon Services, which
will include updates to the UVBGSA JPA and ByLaws. GSA Administrator Starkey commented on the JPA
update, noƟng the disbanding of URRWA, with Sean White clarifying that this will occur in late spring.
Amber menƟoned that several items need to be transiƟoned from the County of Mendocino to the City of
Ukiah. Audra provided background on the DWR updates on the PMA Module Spreadsheet, highlighƟng
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UKIAH VALLEY BASIN GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
340 Lake Mendocino Drive Ukiah California 95482 (707)463-4363 fax (707)463-5474
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areas where all projects and management acƟons that have been completed need updaƟng. She noted
that there are other aspects of projects where LWA does not have the most updated informaƟon. LWA
worked with the TAC Chair to collaborate with TAC members to update and/or reach out to a point of
contact to update the status of projects. There was also a discussion on assigning various PMA topics.
10. Future TAC Meeting Topics
The next TAC meeting will be in August and include the FY 2025 TAC meeting schedule, status of GAS fee
along with next steps, and FY 2025 GSA implementation.
11. Adjournment
Chair Salomone adjourned the meeting at 10:58 a.m.
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Agenda Item 4a
ORDER OF AGENDA – SAMPLE ITEMS
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Audience Comments on Non-Agenda Items
3. Approval of Minutes
4. New Business
5. Unfinished Business
6. Member Announcements and Reports
7. Future Agenda Items and Set Next Meeting Date
8. Adjournment
Page 6 of 63
Creating Long-Term Water Supply Resiliency for
Ukiah Valley and Upper Russian River
Laurel Marcus and Chelsea Jimenez
Ca. Land Stewardship Institute
Agenda Item 4b
Page 7 of 63
Area of
project is
Ukiah Valley
groundwater
basin
Diversions
and flows
along the
Main stem
Russian River
below Lake
Mendocino to
the Hopland
Gage are
being
modeled
This grant provides four major outcomes:
•Partially funds a new well for the City of Ukiah. During
the curtailments of surface water the City had to pump
all their wells 24/7. A mechanical problem would mean a
lack of drinking water. The new backup well will solve
this issue. The City is providing all the matching funds for
the grant
•Installation of continuous recorders in 3 wells
•Funds a needed study of the interaction of groundwater
use with surface water flows in the Russian River. The
current study will provide the modeling and data needed
to demonstrate relationships between groundwater use
in terms of location in the basin, pumping rates, climatic
conditions and flow levels in the Russian River.
•The creation of an online Decision Support Tool to
improve information available to growers and water
districts and improve water management decisions.
Page 8 of 63
•We are assuming that the drastic reduction of dry season surface water
from the Potter Valley Project (PVP) to fulfill appropriative water rights
for agriculture and municipal uses will increase the use of groundwater
and RRFC stored water and therefore we need to consider both surface
and groundwater use in this project.
o Interim period reduction (~2025-2035) & elimination (after 2035 or
maybe sooner?) of dry season Eel River water transfers via the PVP
o Future climate conditions including prolonged drought and
intensified rainfall
o Consider future conjunctive use options and strategies like off
stream storage ponds filled by winter time PVP transfers and varying
pumping rates during the dry season 3
Water Supply Resiliency Project Objectives
Page 9 of 63
•Model considers current, future management conditions that will
impact water use in Upper Russian River and Ukiah Valley Basin
•Incorporates data from:
o State Water Board QAQC’d Water Use Reporting from the Water Sharing
Program and the priority of right list (Exhibit B/C)
o Russian River Flood Control District water use reporting
o State Water Rights data base
o Water Demand Management Program Frost Protection Reporting
o CLSI/ Mendocino Farm Bureau Agricultural Pond Project
o Potter Valley Project Draft Final License Surrender Application
4
Data Sources
Regulatory and Management Context
Page 10 of 63
5
Reported Agricultural Water Diversions along Mainstem Russian River by Water Right
Type for May-October
WATER RIGHT TYPE 2017 2018 2019 AVERAGE
APPROPRIATIVE 3659.5 3158.3 2535.1 3117.6
CONTRACT (RRFC)2011.8 1736 1467.4 1738.4
OTHER (STOCK POND)1.2 3.1 3.1 2.5
RIPARIAN 684.4 543.3 687.1 638.3
TOTAL 6356.9 5440.7 4692.7 5496.7
Reported Municipal Water River Diversions for May-October for City of Ukiah, Millview,
Willow, Rogina, RR Estates, RRFC, no stored water included
MONTH 2017 2018 2019 AVG
MAY 522.99 534.37 423.48 493.61
JUNE 823.15 870.11 641.49 778.25
JULY 1037.13 1089.05 900.34 1008.84
AUGUST 1191.39 1131.97 902.85 1075.40
SEPTEMBER 649.45 944.49 702.69 765.54
OCTOBER 638.91 519.01 536.20 564.71
TOTAL 6880.02 7106.99 6126.05 6704.35
Agricultural
diversion data
have been limited
to the boundary
of the Ukiah valley
Groundwater
Basin but the
municipal
diversion data are
being corrected
currently
Page 11 of 63
Sum of JUN
MEAN_DIV
Sum of JUL
MEAN_DIV
Sum of AUG
MEAN DIV
Sum of SEP
MEAN DIV
Sum of OCT
MEAN DIV
Upper
4,707.7 5,771.0 5,819.3 4,311.7 3,235.7
Post-1949
3,897.6 4,666.1 4,632.5 3,346.7 2,627.6
1950-1952
281.1 208.8 209.3 163.8 48.6
1953-1954
344.5 374.6 299.9 259.3 135.7
1955-1956
274.7 256.2 252.6 231.0 127.0
1957-1959
181.4 85.2 78.5 66.3 41.7
1960-1970
257.0 323.0 267.1 182.5 106.1
1971-1990
419.0 474.1 271.8 210.3 133.1
1991-
present 3.9 4.7 5.6 4.2 6.6
Pre-1949 +
1949 146.4 176.1 207.1 150.1 89.2
pre-1914
312.2 407.3 400.9 356.2 309.1
Pre-1949 +
1949 22.0 44.6 46.0 25.9 18.0
Riparian 475.9 653.0 739.8 582.9 281.1
Exhibit B/C Curtailment by priority of right from Water Sharing program In the modeling scenarios we will
include several levels of curtailments
based on surface water availability
including:
No curtailments
50% curtailments
100% curtailments.
The volume of water removed from
use will be determined using this table
from the State Water Board water
sharing program moving from the
most junior rights towards the senior
rights. We will work with the Board
staff to determine available water to
share by climate year
In the model riparian rights will be
removed from use between April and
July depending on the climate year.
Curtailments will focus on
appropriative rights Page 12 of 63
New diversion to replace the current PVP will only divert water during winter and maybe high
flows in spring. Growers and possibly water districts will have to have storage ponds to make
use of this water. Outside of RRFC customers there will not be adequate summer flow for any
appropriative or riparian diversions likely after July 1 most years.Page 13 of 63
Appropriative rights on northern section of
Russian River without storage ponds
Appropriative rights on northern section of
Russian River
CLSI and the Mendocino Farm Bureau are working together to determine where new off stream ponds are needed or need
to be enlarged to hold winter PVP diversions.
Page 14 of 63
Page 15 of 63
Reported diversion volumes with and without storage ponds
Reported Volume Diverted
Water Right Type 2017 2018 2019 average
Appropriative
Storage Pond 1478.7 1368.9 1258.0 1368.5
No Storage Pond 2180.8 1789.4 1277.1 1749.1
Contract RRFC
Storage Pond 1305.3 1437.1 1141.1 1294.5
No Storage Pond 706.5 298.9 308.1 437.8
CLSI and the Mendo Farm Bureau are completing surveys with growers to determine
how they manage their ponds including how many time they refill the pond during
the dry season. and to ascertain interest in building ponds for those growers that do
not have a pond
Page 16 of 63
Critically dry
water year Dry water year Normal water year
Parameter Notes
Occurrence of Spring (March-May) rain no yes and amount or no yes and amount or no
coordinate with State Board on
amounts
Dry season PVP releases
interim period 2025-2035 5 cfs 20 cfs 35 cfs current system
long term 0 0 0
Lake Mendocino dry season releases for
instream flows
Measured at Healdsburg gage
compliance point
2025-2035 25 cfs 75 cfs 185 cfs 2024 TUCP
long term ???working with Sonoma Water
Surface water diversions
Riparian agricultural diversions - March to
June when natural flow is available 0% 0 AF
with spring rain 50%
394 AF, without spring
rain 0% 0 AF
with spring rain 100% 787
AF, without spring rain 50%
394 AF
average reported water use May-Oct
2017-2019 + average reported frost
water use March-April = 787 AF
Appropriative rights agricultural diversions 0% 0 AF
with spring rain 50%
1559 AF, without
spring rain 30% 935 AF
70% use with spring rain
2183 AF, 50% with no
spring rain 1559 AF
average reported water use May - Oct
2017-2019
Russian River flood district (RRFC) stored
water
50% of
contract
water 869
AF-4000
with spring rain 100%
of contract water used,
1738 average - 8000 AF
maximum, without
spring rain 50% of
contract water 869 AF-
4000
100% of contract water
used, 1738 average - 8000
AF maximum
average reported water use May- Oct
2017-2019 Page 17 of 63
Critically dry
water year Dry water year Normal water year
Parameter Notes
Occurrence of Spring (March-May) rain no
yes and amount
or no
yes and amount or
no coordinate with State Board on amounts
Municipal surface water use 5028 AF 5028 AF 6704 AF
average reported water use May- Oct 2017-
2019, 25% conservation required in dry and
critically dry years
State Water Board Curtailments of
appropriative rights/water sharing program
affect riparian and appropriative rights, no
effect on municipal rights and no effect on
stored water except in critically dry years
no curtailments
50% curtailments ( by priority of right)
By priority of right
100% curtailments By priority of right
Conservation 75% for lowest priority rights,
25% for senior and highest priority rights
25-75%
conservation all
rights, senior to
junior
25-75%
conservation all
rights, senior to
junior
25% conservation,
in effect for
averages used
Future changes to surface water diversions
Winter time PVP releases and off stream
storage 2663-4850 AF 2663-4850 AF 5326-9700AF
possible diversion from wintertime into off
stream ponds (see pond tab), normal year
has all existing ponds and potential ponds
filled twice. Critically dry and dry have all
existing ponds and potential ponds filled
once
increased municipal demand 0 0 0 Page 18 of 63
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Data Gaps
Coordination with State Water Board staff on curtailment volumes for
each climate year
Changes to Municipal Diversion numbers to just reflect Ukiah Valley
Groundwater Basin
Estimated increases in municipal water use over next 50 years
Water availability from RRFC and method of determining
Estimated releases from Lake Mendocino after the interim period by
climate year. Releases are listed by flow at Healdsburg gage compliance
point. We will need the actual release from the Lake needed to meet the
compliance flow
Page 19 of 63
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PRMS: USGS Precipitation-Runoff
Modeling System
Precipitation, runoff, soil moisture, land
use, etc.
Surface Water Model Agricultural Water Demand Model
MODFLOW: USGS Modular Groundwater Flow Model
Subsurface geology, groundwater elevations, percolation,
pumping, etc.
Groundwater Model
IDC: DWR Integrated Demand
Calculator
Crop type and ET, soil type, weather
conditions, etc.
Ukiah Valley Integrated Hydrological Model
Modeling Approach and Planned Scenarios
Page 20 of 63
•DWR has offered pre-publication use of revised climate
projections for UVB/URR study area
•Cascade of model impacts driven by changing climate, could
include
o Changes to computed agricultural water demand (IDC)
•ET, precipitation
•Need for heat and frost protection
o Changes to natural water availability (PRMS)
•Groundwater recharge
•Streamflow generation from watershed
•Management Actions also driven by climate projections
o Implementation of curtailments; conservation
o Increased use of groundwater due to lack of surface water 15
Climate Projections
Page 21 of 63
•Surface water diversions revised by
o Natural flow availability
o Change in transfers from Potter Valley Project
o Curtailments and conservation
•Level of curtailments and conservation determined by climate year and priority
of right
o Use of off-stream storage ponds filled during high winter flows
•Changes to Lake Mendocino releases influenced by
o Minimum flow requirements
o Change in transfers from Potter Valley Project and natural inflow
•Location, timing, rate of groundwater pumping influenced by
o Reductions in surface water availability and corresponding increases in
groundwater pumping
o Conservation as determined by precip. conditions 16
Management Actions
Page 22 of 63
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Scenario Construction
Adjusted Total Water
Demand
•Sum of agricultural &
domestic demand
•Reduced by
conservation based on
water year type
Surface Water
Availability
•Availability reduced
based on water year
type, occurrence of
spring rain and resulting
impacts on diverters,
curtailments
Groundwater
Pumping
•Determine based on
difference between
adjusted demand and
surface water
availability
•Increases if insufficient
SW to meet adjusted
total water demand
•Less surface water availability could put increased pressure on groundwater basin
•Characterizing climate conditions, Lake Mendocino releases, surface water
diversions, groundwater pumping in the integrated model will reveal corresponding
impacts on river flow and groundwater levels
Page 23 of 63
18
2A. Dry year with spring rain during interim
period 2025-2035
with interim PVP flow of 20 cfs
instream flow release of 75 cfs from Lake
Mendo
50% of riparian rights used
50% of appropriative rights used
all RRFC rights used
50% of appropriative rights curtailed
25-75% conservation all rights, senior to
junior
groundwater makes up rest of water demand
2B. Dry year with no spring rain during interim
period 2025-2035
with interim PVP flow of 20 cfs
instream flow release of 25 cfs from Lake
Mendo
0% of riparian rights used
30% of appropriative rights used
50% of RRFC rights used
70% of appropriative rights curtailed
25-75% conservation all rights, senior to
junior
groundwater makes up rest of water demand
Scenario Examples
•Scenario 2B has same conservation as 2A, but less surface water available to meet demand
•This will likely result in greater reliance on GW pumping in 2B compared to 2A
•Modeling will reveal the resulting impact on GW levels and river flow for 2B vs. 2A
Page 24 of 63
•Build up to realistic scenarios that incorporate climate projections
and interrelated management actions
•Start with model response assessment
o Run ‘book ends’ or two extreme examples for each variable
o Gauge the impact each variable individually has on the system compared
to the status quo of WY 2024
o Determine which variables appear to be the most impactful, to better
inform management
•Finalize and implement combined variable scenarios
o Results will be visualized and summarized in the Decision Support Tool
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Scenario Implementation
Page 25 of 63
•Develop an online Decision Support Tool (DST)
o Easy to navigate and interpret dashboard
o Summarize key takeaways from modeling of various climate
and management scenarios
o Displays real time streamflow data, groundwater levels, rainfall
totals and other data with recommended water management
actions related to each type of water right (riparian,
appropriative, groundwater) based on current conditions
o Empowers local users (growers, water districts) to make more
informed water management decisions
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Decision Support Tool (DST)
Page 26 of 63
21
Wireframes: Model Scenario Comparison
Compare different model scenarios at sentinel
sites for flow and groundwater level.
Show influence of water year type on results
with a shaded envelope.
Page 27 of 63
22
Wireframes: Single Model Scenario Explorer
Scenario list
Scenario
description Flow and
sentinel sites
for a single
scenario
Page 28 of 63
23
Wireframes: Single Model Scenario Explorer
Pumping by
Management Zone
Page 29 of 63
What external, near-real time data sources are valuable to stakeholders?
•Sentinel sites for flow:
o West Fork Russian River gage: shows when low or dry riparian diversions on the mainstem are
disallowed
•Sentinel sites for groundwater:
o SGMA RMPs, 1-2 per management zone: shows local groundwater conditions and SMC (i.e., MTs,
MOs)*
•Reservoir supply:
o Lake Mendocino releases (CDEC CDM gage): shows when riparian diversion and appropriative
rights (not flood control contracts) are no longer available
•ET:
o Sanel Valley CIMIS: shows nearby ET
•RRFC: any limitations on this water source based on lake storage or other parameters
•SWRCB curtailments: when climate year is dry or critically dry, curtailments may take place ; list
conservation required (link to conservation BMPs) and info on signing up for water sharing program s
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Data Integration & Information Gathering
*Will ensure well owners are aware of and approve level of data sharing Page 30 of 63
Water Year 2024 GSP Annual Report
UVBGSA TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA ITEM 5a
Page 31 of 63
Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP)
Annual Report Overview
•Fourth Annual Report to be
submitted by April 1 st
o Water Year 2024: October 1, 2023 –
September 30, 2024
•Annual Reports include:
o GSA’s progress in GSP implementation
o Comparison of key sustainability
indicator metrics against Sustainable
Management Criteria established in
the GSP
o Tabulation of major water demands
and diversions
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Page 32 of 63
GSP Annual Report Overview – Data Needs
•Each year data are gathered to evaluate conditions in UVB
•Data collected from UVB GSA’s monitoring networks:
o Groundwater elevations, interconnected surface water depletion, water quality
•Data obtained from partner and other public agencies:
o Groundwater pumping and managed recharge, surface water diversions, recycled
water production, water quality, precipitation
•Calculated or modeled data:
o Agricultural water demand using IDC Model*, change in aquifer storage
*DWR’s Integrated Water Flow Model Demand Calculator
Page 33 of 63
UVB WY 2024 Annual Report Timeline
November – December 2024
o Data acquisition, compilation, QAQC
o Annual report code updates and improvements
January – February 2025
o Wrap up data acquisition, compilation, QAQC
o Update Annual Report figures and text
o Submit Draft Annual Report to GSA Staff and TAC by Monday February 24th
•Review ahead of Wednesday March 5th TAC meeting
March 2025
o Revise Annual Report in response to GSA Staff and TAC feedback
April 2025
o Submit Annual Report to DWR by April 1st
Page 34 of 63
Water Year 2024 Annual Report Highlights
•Water Year 2024 Conditions
•Review results for key sustainability indicators
o Groundwater Elevation – including changes to the Representative
Monitoring Point Network
o Interconnected Surface Water Depletion
o Water Quality
Page 35 of 63
Precipitation – Another Above Average Year
Page 36 of 63
Page 37 of 63
Update on Drought Conditions
April 4, 2024April 25, 2023
Mendocino
County
Mendocino
County
Page 38 of 63
SGMA* Sustainability Indicators
9
Metrics used to evaluate the sustainability progress of Ukiah Valley Basin
1.Groundwater elevation (higher priority)
2.Groundwater storage
3.Interconnected surface water depletion (higher priority)
4.Groundwater quality (higher priority)
5.Land subsidence (not high priority)
6.Seawater intrusion (not applicable to UVB)
*Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Page 39 of 63
Groundwater Elevation
Monitoring Network *
•7 Representative Monitoring Point
(RMPs)
•14 non-RMP wells
*Some are nested wells; not all monitored by Mendocino County RCD Page 40 of 63
Groundwater Elevation
Updates to Monitoring Network
•Ukiah Valley-27 selected as
replacement for RMP well lost from
network in August 2024
o Ukiah Valley-27 previously monitored
2015-2021
o Located ~1000 ft away from lost DWR
site, completed to similar depth,
cooperative landowner
Page 41 of 63
RMP Comparison to Sustainable Management Criteria
12
Three indicators developed using historical conditions for each well
•Trigger Level : Non-regulatory warning value for evaluating spring
elevation
o How are things looking after winter recharge?
•Measurable Objective : Value above which RMP is on track to achieve
groundwater sustainability within 20 years
•Minimum Threshold : Value below which action must be taken to
achieve sustainability goals
o Transient levels below MT do not indicate non -compliance, but the GSA
should take notice
Page 42 of 63
RMP Comparison to Sustainable Management Criteria
13
Three indicators developed using historical conditions for each well
•Trigger Level : Non-regulatory warning value for evaluating spring
elevation
o How are things looking after winter recharge?
•Measurable Objective : Value above which RMP is on track to achieve
groundwater sustainability within 20 years
•Minimum Threshold : Value below which action must be taken to
achieve sustainability goals
o Transient levels below MT do not indicate non -compliance, but GSA should
take notice
“An undesirable result would occur if the groundwater level observations in the Fall
season[…] in more than one third of the RMPs in the Basin fall below their respective
minimum thresholds for two consecutive years.” (UVBGSA GSP, 2021)
Page 43 of 63
Detailed RMP Hydrographs
•Display of groundwater level field measurements across monitoring
record
o Records for long-monitored sites displayed for 2000 – present
•Comparison against unique sustainable management criteria for each
well
Page 44 of 63
Aquifer I Ukiah Valley-32
Note: Some data including Spring high measurement missing due to
change in property owner and delays in obtaining access agreement Page 45 of 63
Aquifer I Ukiah Valley-26
Page 46 of 63
Aquifer I Ukiah Valley-10a
Page 47 of 63
Aquifer I Ukiah Valley-1
Note: A nearby water district well is very likely influencing dry season
water level declines; a sensor and telemetry have been installed.
Page 48 of 63
19
Aquifer II 392962N1232047W001
Note: At this DWR-monitored site, Ground Surface Elevation (GSE) and Reference
Point Elevation (RPE) changed during WY 2024. LWA used consistent GSE/RPE for
the entire record and has contact DWR to clarify the situation.Page 49 of 63
Aquifer II 391096N1231677W001
Note: Site access has been revoked, last measurement was taken by DWR
in August 2024. Ukiah Valley-27 has been identified as a suitable
replacement.
Page 50 of 63
Aquifer II Ukiah Valley-36 (replacement RMP)
Note: SMC development planned for 2027 Periodic Evaluation
Page 51 of 63
Snapshot of RMP GW Elevation
Fall 2024 Conditions
•Water level status:
o GREEN – near or above measurable objective
o YELLOW – within central operational range
o ORANGE – near minimum threshold
o RED – at or below minimum threshold
•Ukiah Valley-1
o SMCs to be reassessed in 2027 periodic update
o Influenced from nearby water district well
o Detailed hydrograph shows wet season recovery
•No undesirable result for WY 2024
DRAFT
N
Aquifer I
Aquifer II Ukiah Valley-32
DWR Howell Creek*
Ukiah Valley-26Ukiah Valley-10a
Ukiah Valley-36
Ukiah Valley-1
DWR Redwood Valley
*Last measurement at DWR Howell Creek was in August 2024
Page 52 of 63
Depletion of Interconnected
Surface Water
•Status estimated using GW level at
three wells as a proxy
•Ukiah Valley-1 below dipped MT
•No undesirable result for WY 2024
o “…more than one third of the RMPs in
the Basin fall below their respective
minimum thresholds for two
consecutive years.” (UVBGSA GSP, 2021)
•Sensor data at Ukiah Valley -34
provided important static GW level
info
Ukiah Valley-26
Ukiah Valley-34
Ukiah Valley-1
Page 53 of 63
Ukiah Valley -34 Field vs. Sensor Measurements
Sensor Data
Field Data
Page 54 of 63
Groundwater Quality
•Nitrate, specific conductivity measured annually
o Defined SMCs
o 16 wells*: UVBGSA observation wells and municipal/small retailer wells
•Boron, manganese, iron measured every three years
o Naturally occurring, so periodically monitor conditions
o No SMC to compare against drinking water standards (MCLs, SMCLs)
o 14 wells *: UVBGSA observation wells and municipal/small retailer wells
•No undesirable results for WY 2024
o “Undesirable results are experienced if the maximum thresholds are exceeded at 50% or
more of the groundwater quality monitoring wells sampled in the respective sampling
period for any COIs with a defined maximum threshold.” (UVBGSA GSP, 2021)
*Two wells in the network are multi-completion Page 55 of 63
Water Quality Monitoring
for UVBGSA Wells
•MCRCD coordinates with
Blaine Tech to collect water
quality samples
•During WY 2024 samples
collected in December 2023
•Most recent samples collected
in January 2025
Page 56 of 63
Results for UVBGSA Monitoring Wells
Well ID
(mg/L)(μ℧/cm)
Page 57 of 63
Water Year 2024 Annual Report Summary
•Precipitation was above normal for a second year in a row
•No undesirable results observed for sustainability indicators
•Sensor data proves valuable for identifying field measurements
influenced by pumping and characterizing static groundwater levels
•LWA will continue to coordinate with field measurement agencies (DWR,
MCRCD) to understand conditions associated with field measurements
Page 58 of 63
Bonus: Select Sensor
and Precipitation Data
•Visualize the importance of precipitation
on annual recharge in the Basin
Page 59 of 63
Aquifer I UVBGSA -01a
Page 60 of 63
Aquifer I UVBGSA -05
Page 61 of 63
Aquifer I UVBGSA -02
Page 62 of 63
Thank You
Page 63 of 63