BWD New Member Introduction
Next Meeting at the BWD Office on July 17th at 5:30 p.m
Last updated 7/18/2017 at 11:42am
As part of the ongoing Groundwater Sustainability Plan process, a nine member advisory committee was created of local stakeholders. One of the representatives is appointed by the BWD to represent ratepayers.
Dave Duncan was recently appointed to this position by the BWD Board.
Duncan is a full time resident and small business owner here in town with a life long connection to Borrego Springs and like you he has
concerns for the health and vitality of the community.
"As many of you are aware, all of our water comes from an underground aquifer. No additional water is piped in from other sources. Science shows that for decades our aquifer has been over drafted by the combined use of farmers, golf courses, and residents. With California’s passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 (SGMA), there is now legal authority demanding resolution of our collective overdraft. Local water agencies around the state are mandated to create a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) to bring aquifers into balance with recharge. The good news about SGMA is that it recognizes the fact that this issue is best resolved at the local level by involving local stakeholders.
A core team that includes representatives of the BWD and the County of San Diego will have the responsibility of drafting the GSP. The MOU outlines that a nine member advisory committee (AC) of local stakeholders be formed to advise the core team. As I represent the BWD Ratepayers questions that I will be looking for answers for include; How will our water be allocated to ensure the viability of our town?
What will be the cost to ratepayers if the BWD needs to buy water credits in order to maintain the current level of supply?
How do we provide for future growth?
If water quality declines as we draw further down into the aquifer what will be the cost of treatment to ratepayers?
The outcome of this process will have monumental consequences for this community. It will define who and what we are as a community for many years to come. It will certainly put boundaries around future growth.
As the process moves along I will need your input and ideas. There will be scheduled ratepayer meetings to voice your concerns, and the first will be held at the BWD Office on July 17th at 5:30 p.m. Your participation is vital to preserving our community. Visit the Borrego Water District (www.borregowd.org) for information regarding SGMA and the GSP process. I look forward to working with you."
