MLJ Environmental presents Watermark platform for agricultural water management in Madera

The GSA Committee Regular Meeting held on July 1, 2025, in Madera County, California, focused on advancements in water management technology and the successful transition of the Chowchilla Sub Basin out of state board jurisdiction. The meeting began with presentations from various stakeholders, including representatives from HydroSat, LandIQ, and MLJ Environmental, who discussed their roles in managing water allocation data.

The first presentation highlighted the importance of independent measurement data and the collaboration with HydroSat and LandIQ to enhance water management practices. A live demonstration of a new data portal was attempted but faced technical difficulties due to internet connectivity issues. Backup slides were used to illustrate the portal's features, which include a user-friendly map interface for both county officials and growers to monitor evapotranspiration and water allocations.

Robert Sima from MLJ Environmental introduced their platform, Watermark, emphasizing its focus on water quality and regulatory compliance. He outlined the company's approach, which includes understanding the county's goals, integrating GIS data, and providing user training. The platform is designed to function effectively in low bandwidth areas, catering to the needs of rural users.

Sima also discussed the cost structure for implementing the platform, noting that the first year would involve higher costs due to setup and implementation, with subsequent years focusing on software as a service (SaaS) fees. He highlighted the company's commitment to grower outreach and consulting services, distinguishing MLJ from other tech companies in the field.

The meeting concluded with a celebratory note as attendees were invited to enjoy cake in recognition of the Chowchilla Sub Basin's achievement in exiting state board jurisdiction, marking a significant milestone for local water management efforts. The committee plans to continue discussions on water management strategies and technology integration in future meetings.