Darian
09-10-2013, 12:15 PM
An article in the SacBee, 9/5/13 illustrates what's happening all over this state in our reliance on/use of unregulated groundwater pumping:
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/09/05/5709181/in-paso-robles-vineyards-thirst.html
Not to be outdone, another article, 9/7/13, reflects the same problem in the San Joaquin Valley. Of course, the users in that area should already be aware of the problem since the valley floor was reported to've subsided by 115' by the end of 2012:
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/09/07/5715095/in-drought-water-war-in-calif.html
Still no regulation of groundwater pumping in this state but we can carry out a project to divert/transport already overcommitted surface water supplies to those same areas to irrigate new acreage in crops/orchards that require massive amounts of water even tho using drip irrigation technology.
Since agriculture is a very big part of this state's economy and, whether I want to admit it or not, contributes to local businesses/jobs, it looks like some form of the BDCP will become reality. Maybe with some effort we can keep an eye on it to control some portion of the outcome. Staring with supporting proposed regulation of groundwater pumping (SB-4 in the current legislative session).
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/09/05/5709181/in-paso-robles-vineyards-thirst.html
Not to be outdone, another article, 9/7/13, reflects the same problem in the San Joaquin Valley. Of course, the users in that area should already be aware of the problem since the valley floor was reported to've subsided by 115' by the end of 2012:
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/09/07/5715095/in-drought-water-war-in-calif.html
Still no regulation of groundwater pumping in this state but we can carry out a project to divert/transport already overcommitted surface water supplies to those same areas to irrigate new acreage in crops/orchards that require massive amounts of water even tho using drip irrigation technology.
Since agriculture is a very big part of this state's economy and, whether I want to admit it or not, contributes to local businesses/jobs, it looks like some form of the BDCP will become reality. Maybe with some effort we can keep an eye on it to control some portion of the outcome. Staring with supporting proposed regulation of groundwater pumping (SB-4 in the current legislative session).