The Tule East Groundwater Sustainability Agency in southern Tulare County just can’t seem to put a foot right. The state is bearing down, demanding an end to overpumping that has sunk huge swaths of land – taking the critical Friant-Kern Canal with it. Surrounding farmers and water managers want action and they want it now. Tule East directors and staff are still dotting the “i”s to create a legitimate governing agency. Meanwhile, Tule East farmers have apparently abandoned all restraint and are “pumping like it’s the wild west.” The situation is a mess, according to someone familiar with the process and the players who agreed to talk with SJV Water.  

Other groundwater news:

• Public Policy Institute of California: Blog: California is finally addressing groundwater overdraft. How is it going?
• The SJV Sun (Fresno, Calif.): Opinion: Water, energy and climate resilience must go hand in hand
• Maven’s Notebook: Blog: San Joaquin Valley water vision highlights urgent need for coordinated action