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Domestic well owners fear losing water under current plan

Domestic well owners fear losing water under current plan

Vina water board to meet later today
It was 2021 when Marianne Paiva’s domestic well on her 80-acre almond farm began pulling sand instead of water. The farm, and her home, ran solely on groundwater, and when the sand came up, water didn’t flow to the shower or almond trees. It was the second year of a statewide drought that forced communities to draw heavily from their …

At a volatile meeting, the water board doesn’t budge

The Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency (Vina GSA) voted 3-2 — for the second time — not to raise its plan’s regulatory threshold amid a wave of public scrutiny. 

For months, people who rely on groundwater from the Vina Subbasin have publicly shown disapproval of the board direction on this issue. (See ChicoSol reporting here.)

Nineteen people from the audience spoke publicly at the Oct. 14 meeting, many delivering comments laced with distrust and anger. The dissenting board members said the thresholds provide a benchmark for how deep wells should be drilled to protect well owners during droughts.

Read our full meeting coverage by subscribing to ChicoSol’s free weekly newsletter, The Little Sun.

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Reader Comments

Oct 14
“Since when did awareness and planning become a bad thing to do? There is nothing wrong in paying attention, being educated and listening to all sides. It is preferred to getting hit…”
Wilma Kirk on When drought-level groundwater becomes the plan
Oct 13
“My question is the same as the question above. There are no key local races nor are there any local ballot measures on my voters ballot. How do I vote on measures…”
Tammie on What’s on the ballot, where to cast your ballot and how to register to vote if you haven’t yet
Oct 13
“October 9, Dead Revolutionary Day, Lennon’s birthday, Che’s death Day. Hasta La Victoria Siempre. Peace, Love, and Revolution.”
Joseph Rogers on ICE detains Chico construction worker
Oct 13
“Though the Truth may vary, we’ve enjoyed these “Little Talks” Of Monsters and Men, us folks here with “Dirty Paws”. Vaya con Dios.”
Joseph Rogers on ICE detains Chico construction worker

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