Several wells on Lebor Devore Road have gone dry. These people are having to drill new wells at the tune of around $10,000. Incidentally these wells are about a mile from the dump.
Nobody can say for certain whether the aquifer has changed direction since the earthquake, but since we are in a drought situation and the aquifer needs precipitation to recharge, another scenario is that the level of water in the aquifer might be falling due to excessive withdrawal of water through wells. That is, the natural recharge rate of the aquifer is being exceeded by the withdrawal rate. Since LRI is currently exceeding their allowable use of water from the aquifer, they may be increasing the decline of water in the aquifer. Whatever the scenario may be, the aquifer is experiencing changes that are affecting residences above the aquifer.
Water rights are an important component for managing aquifers. The policy is necessary to insure the long-term sustainability of this vital resource. If companies are given exceptions, that is, are allowed to violate policies, we run the risk of not being able to manage the aquifer effectively. LRI needs to be held accountable regarding their water use. They are exceeding their water use limit. According to policy, they are required to apply for a water rights permit. Since they do not have the adequate water rights permit they should either reduce their water use below the 5,000 gallons per day for both cells or discontinue operation, i.e., shut down! ******** King 5 news report March 22, 2001 Drillers struggle to find new water wells Residents in some parts of Pierce County are experiencing failures with their water wells. Could the earthquake have altered the underground water supply? It’s a strange situation and nobody has come right out and said it’s a fact yet, but people who’ve been drilling water wells around the area for a long time are convinced the quake changed things. On the surface, there is very little evidence of quake damage, but maybe the real damage is deep under ground. Water well companies suddenly find themselves in a drilling boom. Granted, it could have something to do with our recent drought, but it seems like too much of a coincidence – wells drying up one after another right after the quake. Drillers say the water has moved and they’re having to go much deeper to find new wells, which makes it a longer and more expensive process. The water is there, but maybe not in the same place it was before the quake.