Short Wave The Great California Groundwater Grab
Jul 23, 2021
In this conversation, Dan Charles, NPR's food and agriculture correspondent, sheds light on California's water crisis amidst severe drought. He explains how farmers have turned to underground aquifers for irrigation while facing impending regulations limiting well water usage. The discussion highlights the environmental impacts of over-extraction, the historical evolution of California's farming water supply, and the fierce debates between farmers and environmentalists over water rights. Dan shares insights on the need for sustainable water management and the community struggles tied to water scarcity.
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Central Valley Transformation
- Kathy Briano, a farmer in Tulare County, describes the Central Valley's transformation.
- Farming was limited before large-scale water projects, with tumbleweeds dominating the landscape.
Irrigation's Crucial Role
- Irrigation is essential for farming in the Central Valley due to insufficient summer rainfall.
- Government-funded dams and aqueducts brought water from distant rivers, enabling agricultural expansion.
Groundwater as Backup
- Dams and reservoirs were the intended primary water source, but farmers also needed a backup.
- Groundwater wells served as this backup, especially during drought years when water allocations were reduced.