Mr. Pete then announced our program, as he does each week with debonair and grace. Beth Pandol of the Water Association of Kern County educated us with Water 101. Yes, Beth spends much of her time as executive director sharing information and promoting the smart use of our most natural resource. Water is a “take it for granted” resource, but since my law office emphasizes water law as one of our areas of expertise, the attitude we have about water is going to change. And it is going to change FAST!Beth graphically shared with us the quantity of water delivered to consumers like you and I, and to commercial users, like farmers. She told us about where the water comes from, where it is going and where it is not. We learned, and I am confident many of you knew that the Endangered Species Act sets guidelines as to what, when and how water is allocated.
I think one of my favorite parts of Beth’s presentation was when she showed us a map of California and how the water in the northern part of the State is stored then used in the southern part. Beth said “It is like a bald man with a beard…Good production, just in the wrong place”. Now, I will never, never grow a beard, I will keep the bald all over!
What’s to come next year with ground water sustainability aka SGMA, is anyone’s guess, but I can assure you that you would be advised to become keener on how this is going to affect you, regardless of whether or not you are in farming. Just be grateful that when you come to Breakfast Rotary meetings you are going to come away much more educated, informed and prepared to at least know what is happening in our community. Who knows, perhaps what you learn will benefit yourself and others. Come to Breakfast Rotary and invite a friend.
Thanks Beth Pandol for your dedication to education and water advocacy. To contact Beth, she can be reached at 661 746-3300, or bpandol@wakc.com