Searching for Water in Ojai Valley
It's no secret that California has periods of drought, a large agricultural industry, and diminishing rainfall annually over the years. Not to mention a steadily growing population, it doesn't take an expert to see the possibility of available resources drying up, one resource in particular that is vital, water.
It's a very difficult situation, the state's resources for clean drinking water are drying up and groundwater, which 85% of California residents depend on for drinking water, is being used in many areas of California unsustainably. Farmers in the Central Valley and the Central Coast of California depend heavily on groundwater and without sustainable usage, the groundwater resources could take several years to replenish. As the number one producer of food in the U.S. it goes without saying that the health of California's agricultural industry is very important. As for the residents of the golden state, many are wondering if their quality of life and access to clean drinking water can sustain.
This issue of water scarcity should concern all residents in California, but in Ojai Valley, located in Southern California, residents are contemplating the longevity of their community and whether or not to sell their homes and relocate. Ojai Valley Water Expert, Angelo Spandrio, has been studying and raising awareness about the water scarcity of Ojai Valley for years. According to Spandrio, many residents are still in disbelief that their is a problem, but for those that are aware, they are, "concerned about their property values and way of life." The primary water supply, which originally was built as a back-up water supply, Casitas Lake, is currently below 34% of capacity and the groundwater basins are being over used with the possibility of aquifers not replenishing. "This death spiral could start early in the Ojai Valley," says Spandrio, "Many are contemplating selling now while they can recover their equity. If this philosophy gains traction, the Ojai we know and love could die or be seriously impacted before it runs out of water."
There isn't much of a plan b in place for Ojai Valley, but a citizens group of Ojai called the Water Advisory Group did however, submit a plan to the Casitas management in February of this year. Despite the plan that Spandrio calls, "an excellent plan b," Casitas Lake is yet to respond, which fits the rather non-transparent stance they have taken with the community. "Their motives are a mystery to me," says Spandrio, "[...] they are not providing any assurance that they have a plan to combat this water crisis." Currently, there are three proposals in place designed to solve or improve the water scarcity issue in Ojai Valley being reviewed by a panel of eight members including Lake Casitas board members, conservation experts, city council members, and the managing director of the Ojai Valley Inn.
While the board of members contemplates the best proposal to alleviate their water crisis, those of us on the outside should see Ojai as a red light indicator. A big red flag for other localities that may not be as far down the road as Ojai, but could very easily face these same issues.
Learn more about the water scarcity issue and current proposals: click here
Author: Matthew Hanacek
It's a very difficult situation, the state's resources for clean drinking water are drying up and groundwater, which 85% of California residents depend on for drinking water, is being used in many areas of California unsustainably. Farmers in the Central Valley and the Central Coast of California depend heavily on groundwater and without sustainable usage, the groundwater resources could take several years to replenish. As the number one producer of food in the U.S. it goes without saying that the health of California's agricultural industry is very important. As for the residents of the golden state, many are wondering if their quality of life and access to clean drinking water can sustain.
There isn't much of a plan b in place for Ojai Valley, but a citizens group of Ojai called the Water Advisory Group did however, submit a plan to the Casitas management in February of this year. Despite the plan that Spandrio calls, "an excellent plan b," Casitas Lake is yet to respond, which fits the rather non-transparent stance they have taken with the community. "Their motives are a mystery to me," says Spandrio, "[...] they are not providing any assurance that they have a plan to combat this water crisis." Currently, there are three proposals in place designed to solve or improve the water scarcity issue in Ojai Valley being reviewed by a panel of eight members including Lake Casitas board members, conservation experts, city council members, and the managing director of the Ojai Valley Inn.
While the board of members contemplates the best proposal to alleviate their water crisis, those of us on the outside should see Ojai as a red light indicator. A big red flag for other localities that may not be as far down the road as Ojai, but could very easily face these same issues.
Author: Matthew Hanacek
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