Critics say valley groundwater managers put too much emphasis on recharge, not enough on pumping cuts
Groundwater recharge seems to be priority No. 1 in the San Joaquin Valley’s scramble toward sustainability. With water restrictions on the horizon, groundwater managers can’t build recharge sites fast enough. But will it be enough? … Farmers have always relied on pumping groundwater in the valley for their crops, especially in drought years when surface water is in short supply. But overpumping is causing groundwater levels to plummet, land subsidence and water quality problems.
Related article: