Alexander, K. (2014, November 23). California drought: SF wants to add groundwater to tap. Bay Area and State: San Francisco Chronicle.
Retrieved November 23 from
Multiple spigots in San Francisco “will start delivering the Sierra supply blended with a splash of local groundwater — by many measures, a far inferior source.” This local groundwater is not as clean as the Sierra runoff. However, city officials ensure that “the underground reserves are sufficiently clean and palatable.” Jeff Gilman who is the project manager says that he doesn’t think people will notice a difference in their tap water. He states, “It tastes the same. Color is the same. Odor is the same.”
This article reminded me how serious this drought is. We now have to dig into the groundwater to drink. Although it is groundwater, it is treated and is completely safe and tastes normal. The Sierra snowmelt is in decline and this plan seems to make sense. David Sedlak, a professor at UC Berkeley, stated, “Already, many water agencies across California incorporate groundwater into their supplies, he noted, with about 80 percent of Californians relying on some amount of groundwater for their daily needs.” Now the concern is how much groundwater can we use until it’s gone?
Super interesting- especially since this is what we are drinking. I have no personal issue with the “blend”, but you are right to point out that tapping ground water isn’t a long term solution. I can only imagine they are managing this resource the best they can- now we just need to use less.
Thank you Mr. Powell, I agree. Luckily, we are getting tons of water from this storm. Hopefully we take advantage of it and store it wisely for the future.