<p> In the face of the persistent drought and unregulated groundwater usage in California, Stanford University has released a new report <B>calling attention to the diminishing supply of groundwater</b> in the state, while also detailing measures to help solve the problem.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>In times of a drought like the one California is currently experiencing, <B>groundwater provides about 40 percent of more of the state’s water supply</b> – only 30% in normal years. As more growers are forced to turn to groundwater to meet their irrigation needs, <B>can California sustain its supply?</b> Anyone who owns land can install a well and start pumping. Consequently, changes in land use that drive up water demand can also increase groundwater demand to the point that it <B>exceeds supply</b>, according to the report.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Tim Parker, President of Parker Groundwater, who has worked with local jurisdictions and water districts for more than 25 years, said, “Every land use decision affects groundwater resources.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>The report summarizes the findings between 30 groundwater managers, land use managers, water lawyers, consultants, and academics during Stanford’s “Water in the West” conference during Fall 2013. To read the full report, click the link below:</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://waterinthewest.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/Before%20The%20Well%20Runs%20Dry%20-%20Water%20in%20the%20West%20Stanford.pdf" target="_new"> Stanford University – Water in the West </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p> The report also suggests some key recommendations for helping to solve the groundwater crisis in California. In summary, some of these suggests include:</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>• <B>Tailor development to water availability</b>: The report suggests that California communities need tools to “manage new development and crops in a way that does not place additional strain on aquifers that are in chronic overdraft.” By giving each specific community locally tailored and flexible options, they can limit the overall demand on aquifers as land use changes. The report states, “These tools can include requirements that new water use be offset by reduced demand, or that new demands seek alternative supplies of water.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>• <B>Require general plans to focus on water:</b> California’s general plans should include a “water element” that would incorporate water goals into the public planning process and ensure plans for growth take the available water supply into account.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>• <B>Increase data collection and availability:</b> Many communities find that their aquifers are in overdraft too late, which is a major contributor to groundwater depletion. The report says that the state needs to set standards for collecting and sharing groundwater data, including individual well data.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Will these recommendations be enough? Only time will tell, but it’s more important than ever to pay attention to these findings so we can find solutions for improving groundwater and land use now and in the future.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://waterinthewest.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/Before%20The%20Well%20Runs%20Dry%20-%20Water%20in%20the%20West%20Stanford.pdf" target="_new"> Stanford University – Water in the West </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
