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Commentary: Have the rains solved the local water shortage?

Posted by: Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:01 am

From the Santa Cruz Sentinel, this commentary by Ron Duncan, manager for the Soquel Creek Water District:

“After a long, rainy winter, the recent sunshine has been a welcome friend. So with rainfall being on par with normal this year, does this mean the water shortage issues in Santa Cruz County are over?

The answer is a clear “no” for those served by water agencies that rely on groundwater and for people relying on private groundwater wells. The fact is long-term conservation is still very much needed in a large portion of our county.

Unlike the city of Santa Cruz, which relies almost exclusively on surface water like the San Lorenzo River, most of the county depends on groundwater from natural underground aquifers that are in a state of “overdraft.”

The overdraft is due to pumping more water from the aquifers than is being recharged from the rains. Since about 85 percent of the water used in the county comes from aquifers, most of which are overdrafted, the region is facing a gradual and long-term water shortage. … “

Continue reading this commentary by clicking here.

March 20, 2010 · Filed Under Central Coast

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