Everyone knows that California water policies are not working today – and haven’t worked for years. Misplaced priorities, outdated rules, unresponsive bureaucracies… the list of reasons goes on and on. The question is: What can be done about it? With the current control of state and federal government entities, not much. Without changes in the political makeup of decision makers, Californians will continue to be forced to reduce their water use – while millions of acre-feet of that life-sustaining liquid is flushed out to sea. Rip out your lawns, shorten your showers, tear up your walnut groves; reduce your standard of life, fallow your acreage, lower your income; sell your farm; leave the most beautiful state in the union. Regulatory agencies, both state and federal, have assumed control over California’s water. Elected and even appointed officials cower before “staff” who make every call from the same playbook: take … [Read more...]
NO SHOW, NO DOUGH, NO H2O
On Friday, September 6, 2024, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife & Fisheries held a hearing in Santa Nella, CA on the subject of Water Abundance: Opportunities and Challenges in California. The hearing was led by Congressman John Duarte (CA13), and featured Congressmen Cliff Bentz (OR2), David Valadao (CA22), Vince Fong (CA20), Doug LaMalfa (CA1), and Tom McClintock (CA5). Witness testimony was provided by Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District – Jason Phillips, CEO, Friant Water Authority – William Bourdeau, CEO, Bourdeau Farms – John Herrick, Counsel & Manager, South Delta Water Agency – Josh Weimer, Director of External Affairs, Turlock Irrigation District – Ronda Lucas, Attorney, Lucas Law. The two-hour hearing focused attention on the disastrous consequences of water mismanagement following California’s most recent drought – but also pointed the way toward common sense solutions. Despite record … [Read more...]
“WellJet® was so good, we are mandating it on all of our new wells.”
Although recent California winters have been wetter than usual, the default condition of the state is one of water scarcity – due to geography, climate, and a burgeoning human population. 85% of Californians depend on groundwater for at least some of their water needs. For residents in a particular Water District south of Santa Cruz, that figure is 100%. It’s vital that the District’s groundwater wells perform at peak efficiency, to control costs in this challenging economic environment, and, as responsible public servants, to shrink the carbon footprint and energy consumption of groundwater production. To continue providing safe, reliable water to its 40,000 customers, the District elected to have a new well drilled. A highly respected southwest hydrogeology firm provided the well design, and consulting services throughout the construction and development process. An experienced drilling contractor with 30 rigs and 70 employees won the … [Read more...]
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
On July 4, 1776 - 248 years ago - American patriots chose to declare their independence from their Mother Country of England, the greatest military power in the world. Five terrible years of war followed, before the new nation was established. The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence paid a heavy price for their courage. Some died in the conflict, others lost their fortunes and property. But their vision, determination and sacrifice gave birth to the freest and most prosperous society in human history. Two and a half centuries later, we are the inheritors of this blessed legacy. We should remember the leadership of our Founding Fathers, and honor their memory by striving to leave to our children this country even better off than when we found it. When it comes to our use of precious groundwater supplies, one way in which we can declare our independence from unproductive and inefficient wells is to maximize their … [Read more...]
WHY IS PROVIDING WATER FOR PEOPLE CONTROVERSIAL?
Water is essential for human survival. Throughout history, civilization has flourished where water is plentiful – and been challenged where it is scarce. In the early centuries of the Christian Era, the Romans mastered large-scale water engineering through its aqueduct systems – knowledge which, after the Fall of Rome – was then lost for more than a thousand years. In modern times, moving water where people are or want to be is practiced worldwide. And no state in these United States of America moves more water than California – which manages about 40 million acre-feet annually. In an average year, 200 million acre-feet of water fall on California in the forms of rain and snow (per California Water Watch). About 50% of this H2O, roughly 100 million acre-feet, is utilized. About half of that, 40-50 million acre-feet, is designated for “environmental use” [as stated by the Public Policy Institute: protected wild and … [Read more...]
WellJet® tool test in the field
The WellJet® tool is always tested in the field prior to going downhole, to ensure proper settings and operation. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iwim7ESqURE … [Read more...]
