Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority report: board approves second transient pool; mediation discussed

Ridgecrest — Councilman Scott Hammond summarized the May 14 meeting of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA), reporting that the board approved Resolution 125 to establish a second transient pool and that members discussed legislative developments and a possible mediation with the Indian Wells Valley Water District.

The board action: Hammond told the Ridgecrest City Council that the IWVGA's Resolution 125 establishes a second transient pool totaling 20,000 acre‑feet; 16,000 acre‑feet would be offered first to Mohave pistachio operations and 4,000 acre‑feet would be allotted for small farmers. "It consisted of a second transient pool that, amounted to 20,000 acre feet, 16,000 acre feet of which would be offered first, to Mohave, pistachios," Hammond said.

Why it matters: Groundwater allocation, adjudication and potential import pipeline plans have been a contentious issue in the valley. The transient pool is a mechanism the IWVGA is using to allocate short‑term supplies to growers and other users while longer‑term basin management continues.

Discussion points and next steps - Mediation: Hammond reported that the IWVGA discussed the possibility of mediation between the authority and the Indian Wells Valley Water District. He said Water District Director Chuck Griffin indicated he would take mediation back to his board. Several council members and public commenters said mediation could help resolve disputes arising from an ongoing adjudication. - Legislative update: The IWVGA provided a legislative briefing covering state and federal matters affecting groundwater management and funding; council members heard that changes at state and federal levels have required renewed outreach to partners. - Public concerns: Several members of the public used Ridgecrest's council meeting to express skepticism and opposition to the IWVGA's work and to an imported‑water pipeline concept. Commenters asked about IWVGA finances and transparency. The council and IWVGA representatives said the IWVGA budget and expenditures are posted with agendas on IWVGA's website (IWVGA.org) and that receipts and expenditures are attached to meeting agendas.

Council and public exchange Council members praised the attempt to open discussions and encouraged continued outreach. Public commenters said the GA's decisions have significant economic implications and urged more direct involvement by the elected water district rather than a joint powers authority structure. One commenter asked whether IWVGA's general manager salary and specifics of legal expenses could be supplied; Hammond and others advised those budget specifics are public records available through the IWVGA website and meeting materials.

Ending note Hammond and multiple council members said they supported efforts to continue dialogue and explore mediation; the matter remains under active discussion at the IWVGA and the water district level.