The Emigration Improvement District is applying to withdraw water from two existing wells and securing rights to drill five future wells. These actions could have a disastrous outcome.
Our underground aquifers and streams fed by runoff are currently compromised by climate change, La Nina weather patterns and declines in winter snowpack. During lengthy dry periods groundwater levels become so depleted that underground capillary action is effectively halted, creating a “hydrological drought.” When fires happen during hydrological drought, there’s a tenfold increase in the area of forest loss.A 2014 report on Groundwater Depletion in the Central Valley of California identified the increased fire risk. This area encompasses the site of the tragic 2018 Paradise California fires.A fire similar to the recent California fires could be devastating not only to canyon residents but have a far reaching severe impact to air quality statewide. All who are impacted should have a say in decisions that surround groundwater.Continuing climate change and global warming is a scientific fact. We must use restraint and intelligence going forward when it comes to managing our groundwater use.
Steve Andersen, Salt Lake City
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