County should consider water organization

Butte County has terrible water problems — such as numerous wells going dry — while excessive amounts of nut and fruit farming help to exhaust water supplies. This situation makes the proposed transfer of vital decisionmaking to the Agricultural Groundwater Users of Butte County (AGUBC) suspect, since they would control county water. Indeed, AGUBC is working to form a new district, namely, the Tuscan Water District, which would further their corporate-leaning control. AGUBC is not a democratic organization but one where members must pay more than $2,000 to join. Moreover, not anyone can become a member—only those who are invited can join. The members will be far more oriented to serving corporate interests that would benefit outside corporations instead of citizens and businesses within the Butte County.

What we really need is a broadly democratic organization that is committed to the core principles of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Most citizens want to be assured that Groundwater Sustainability Projects are undertaken, successfully. This means getting special districts and local agencies involved in the planning and pursuit of projects benefiting our county, including our small farmers and other Butte County residents.

Butte County Water Commissioners and the Board of Supervisors should consider forming an organization that will be an independent watchdog that will regularly check our groundwater conditions and develop projects aiming to obtain sustainable groundwater. This organization would be organized to work democratically with the management boards of our three water subbasins, unlike the proposed Tuscan Water District.

— Grace Marvin, Chico