Digging deep to deal with the drought

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Valley's drought and dropping water table have many people in need of new wells, but it may soon cost more to get a permit for one in Madera County.

Madera County Planning Director Norman Allinder said, "It's a flat fee now about 256 dollars, and depending on the size of the well, the diameter, it will go up commiserate to the size of the well."

The board of supervisors agreed during this meeting to set a second hearing on the issue for September 16th. If it passes, the extra money would cover staff costs and help fund new conservation programs.

Allinder added, "We do believe with the current permit activity, it would fund an additional staff person so they could full time work on water conservation needs."

Officials are also working to develop an ordinance that would require meters on wells in the near future.

Madera County Supervisor Tom Wheeler said, "metering wells that are already existing is going to be very hard. Any new wells we can do it."

The county has been trying to pinpoint where all of its water is going and what's changed in recent years. Some feel farmers are using too much.

Madera Ranchos resident Bev Walsh said, "I'm taking my showers in a tub to save water, yet all the agriculture around me I haven't seen them do anything but put in more agriculture."

The agricultural commissioner found more than 43,000 acres of land has switched to irrigated farming in the past two decades. But most agree that's just one part of the problem, and the solution must be a broad one.

Wheeler explained, "From conservation to meters and everything in between."

During Tuesday's meeting, the county Ag commissioner also gave an update on getting a USDA disaster declaration. It would help growers with more than $12 million in losses to cherry crops and forage land for livestock because of the drought.