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Council receives Indian Wells Valley groundwater authority update; monitoring‑well work delayed
Summary
Councilmember Hayman reported the GA received the 2023 audit, approved a Facebook presence (comments disabled), and is working through BLM cultural surveys and permits before drilling a proposed monitoring well; AB1466 is on the governor's desk and AB1413 is paused until Jan. 2026.
Councilmember Hayman briefed the council on the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority meeting on Sept. 10. He said the GA received and filed the long‑delayed 2023 audit and noted a new auditor will handle future filings. The GA approved a Facebook page for public outreach with comments disabled,
Hayman also described ongoing delays in siting a second monitoring well: concurrence is pending from the Bureau of Land Management on a cultural‑archaeological scope, then an archeological field survey and a BLM right‑of‑way grant are needed. The contracting schedule was extended (to Aug. 31, 2026) to accommodate permitting delays.
Hayman reported on state legislation: AB1466 was on the governor's desk at the time of the meeting; AB1413 was parked until January 2026 for reexamination. Public callers and speakers urged continued mediation on disputed science and recharge estimates for the basin following recent Phase 1 decisions.
Councilmembers endorsed continued mediation and technical review with the water district and noted the GA will report further updates as permitting and technical work proceed.
