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Growers push back on carryover decay and penalty increases as GSA explores targeted demand management

Madera County Groundwater Sustainability Agency Committee · November 13, 2025
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Summary

The committee reviewed allocation, penalty and carryover options. Growers and associations strongly opposed a proposed carryover decay policy and urged markets or replacement‑water costs instead; staff signaled targeted sub‑zones and DWR guidance could prompt additional restrictions.

Madera County GSA staff presented a package of demand‑management policy options that included potential increases to stair‑step penalties, a proposed carryover‑decay policy that would reduce the value of unused carryover water over time, and the possibility of developing surgical, area‑specific management zones to address subsidence.

Staff noted the current penalty schedule has incrementally increased (from $100/acre‑foot to $300/acre‑foot to date) and that other agencies use higher penalties (up to $500/acre‑foot). The GSA does not currently impose an expiration on carryover and is the…

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