Record number of domestic wells running dry in California
12/9/2022 1:59:08 AM
CATEGORIES:
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Society & Public Health
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
California
Fresno County, CA
Madera County, CA
Sonoma County, CA
Tehama County, CA
Tulare County, CA
Start Date: 1/1/2022
- End Date: 12/8/2022
Drought and the overpumping of wells have led to record numbers of domestic wells running dry in California. This year alone 1,391 wells were reported as going dry, almost a 40% increase over the same time last year, and the highest annual number reported since 2013, when the California Department of Water Resources. Since reporting is voluntary, the actual number of dry wells is likely higher than reported.
The well failures were highest in Fresno, Madera, Tulare and Tehama counties. About 1,600 households were receiving water assistance and another couple hundred were relying on community water tanks. Some residents in the Central Valley have used water from temporary storage tanks for more than five years.
About half of the 3,700 wells monitored by the state were either below normal, much below normal or at a record low.
Los Angeles Times (Calif.), Dec 8, 2022
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