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AVA NORGROVE, ANCHOR:
Concerned residents and volunteers are continuing to protest the creation of the Tuscan Water District. A new political group — Groundwater for Butte — held a press conference this week. They say they're worried that the district's formation could dry out wells and harm urban forests. NSPR's Alec Stutson has the details.
ALEC STUTSON, REPORTER:
The Tuscan Water District would cover rural and agricultural land around Chico and Durham. Specifically, it would control parts of the Vina and Butte sub-basins, which provide water to cities, rural residents and farms in the area.
The district intends to increase the pumping of water from the water table under the basins. The plan is to lower the level of the table, so it can be recharged by pumping surface water back in. But people like Groundwater for Butte coordinator, Emily Alma, say the initial drop could lower the water too deep for her well to draw from.
(SOUNDBITE OF EMILY ALMA) "On our 12 acres we have two domestic wells that are about 60 feet deep. And so far, they haven't gone dry. But we can't afford to drill deeper wells. We're already in debt just trying to keep up with the demands of our place."
At the press conference in Durham Community Park, volunteers called on the Butte County Board of Supervisors to reject the proposed district. Local well owner and volunteer with Groundwater for Butte, Susan Schrader:
(SOUNDBITE OF SUSAN SCHRADER) "Our wells could go dry and our urban forests could die. And then it's just like Joni Mitchell said: 'Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got ‘til it's gone.'"
At its next meeting, the Butte County Board of Supervisors will decide if a vote will be held to create the district. The question would be sent to landowners living in the proposed area, but votes are weighted according to the size of their property owned by the voter. Residents and small farmers say this keeps their voices from being heard, while giving extra power to massive corporate farms.
At the end of the conference, volunteers and concerned citizens gathered together to tear up fake ballots in protest.
(SOUNDBITE OF PEOPLE AT PROTEST) "We want real democracy until we get it, this is what we have to say about what they've done so far. Tear your ballot. [shredding sound] Tear ‘em up good and don't leave any trash in the park."
The next Board of Supervisors meeting where the district vote will be discussed is on July 25th at 9 a.m.
For NSPR News, I’m Alec Stutson.
