Salavtore Salerno: We all have an interest in knowing how much water is being pumped
The drought in California, and especially in San Joaquin Valley, is an undeniable crisis. In order for our local and state water agencies to develop fair, reasoned policies regarding our shared water resources, they need to know how much water is being pumped, and how much remains as groundwater. California is the only western state that deems well-log information as “…confidential and proprietary,” denying public access to that vital information, as pointed out in The Bee editorial, “Well water details are more vital in drought” (March 27).
Fortunately, that problem might soon be solved. Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) has introduced Senate Bill 20, which would make that data available for governmental and public review. SB20 should be a commonsense requirement, except for those who wouldn’t want the public to know how much groundwater pumping is going on because of their vested interests.
The time has passed for prolonging debate. Please contact Senator Cathleen Galgiani and Assembly Leader Kristin Olsen to vote for this sensible bill. Californians need wise governance in this environmental crisis before it becomes catastrophic. Precise knowledge about well digging should bring about correct action for anyone who needs water in this county, and that includes everyone!
Salvatore Salerno, Modesto
This story was originally published March 30, 2015 at 12:50 PM with the headline "Salavtore Salerno: We all have an interest in knowing how much water is being pumped."