Water Conservation: An Essential Factor Toward Sustaining Life in The Central San Joaquin Valley
by Benjamin Franklin once said, “ When the well’s dry, we know the value of water.” Because we are so vulnerable to drought conditions here in the Central San Joaquin Valley, we need to be especially conservative in how we use our water. In addition, through our local elected officials, we need to and make sure that what water we do have stays where it belongs – here in the Central Valley.
There’s a lot of truth to the adage that, “Food Grows Where Water Flows.” Without adequate water supplies, growers would lack the one of the most basic elements of agriculture. A shortage in agricultural crops in the Valley would have a wide spread affect on the entire nation and would have the potential for a ripple effect that could be felt around the world.
In our efforts to conserve water, we have set up irrigation districts through out the state to regulate its use. The irrigation districts, in conjunction with the Army Corp of Engineers, have built a number of lakes and reservoirs to hold run-off water that comes from the high Sierras when the snows melt. This surface water is collected and held in reservoirs and recreational lakes until it is needed. Then, when the weather comes right and the new growing season begins, the water is fed to growers through a network of irrigation canals.
The irrigation districts, in conjunction with local farm bureaus and various agricultural advisory agencies, have initiated an all-out campaign to educate growers and other stakeholders on efficient water use. While pumping ground water from underground aquifers had sustained previous farming operations, this practice is now being scrutinized as wasteful and inefficient. One of the primary concerns is that the underground water needs to be preserved for extreme drought conditions. Also, as the water tables for the aquifers goes down, deeper wells are required and more energy is needed to pump the water.
In addition, studies show that water pumped from underground is showing increasingly high rates of salts and other chemicals. This is believed to be a direct result of years of over-use of chemicals used for fertilizing, fighting pestilence and for defoliating Cotton. Today, many growers are beginning to recognize their role as stewards of the land. They are becoming more informed and implementing various sustainable farming practices. They know that in order for future generations to be able to reap the benefits of lush growing grounds, they must alter their past practices and learn new sustainable techniques that are more efficient, cost effective and less harmful to the land.
By storing surface water in reservoirs and recreational projects, the general public is afforded an opportunity to share in the benefits. Many of these projects have a dual purpose by also providing recreational activities such as camping, fishing and boating. In order for the Central Valley to continue this trend of sustainable agriculture, it is important that we elect state and federal representation that will continually works toward the best interest of the Central Valley’s water needs and for us to each do our part in conserving water.
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