California: Turning precious water into wine

[theHandpuppet]

Interesting article... and pretty scary.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-paso-drought-20130902,0,6185630.story

The Los Angeles Times
In Paso Robles, vineyards' thirst pits growers against residents
With little if any rainfall, the Paso Robles region must rely on an ancient aquifer for water. As the water table drops and wells go dry, residents seek to curb use by the area's increasingly popular wineries.
By David Pierson
September 1, 2013, 5:27 p.m.

While the world clamors for more Paso Robles wine, rural residents like Denise Smith yearn for something far more precious: local water.

The retired teacher is one of dozens of homeowners in parched northern San Luis Obispo county whose wells have run dry.

Unable to afford a deeper well at a cost of $30,000, she trucks in water every few weeks. Meals are eaten on paper plates. Showers last 45 seconds. Toilets are seldom flushed.

Where did the water go? Smith and other residents say it's flowing freely into the area's signature industry — wine.

MORE at link above

[Champion Jack]

1. I wonder what will happen when the Frackers start taking

2 to 7 millions gallons of water per frack per well?

[itsrobert]

2. The central coast was a good oil producer at one point

So fracking is a option from Lompoc to Paso Robles. However water is mostly ground water. In the 70s, they voted against a plan that would have tied into the California aqueduct.

[Champion Jack]

3. The problem is

This is water that never returns to the natural cycle because it is so laced with non biodegradable poisons. Doesn't make much sense in an area dealing with a drought, or reall, any place where people drink water.

[theHandpuppet]

5. Very good point

I also question whether fracking in an area laced with seismic faults would be such a good idea. (understatement)

[hunter]

4. Paso Robles is fake now. Big box stores and wine money ruined the place.

I guess I like cranky old pickup trucks and dirt.

I don't trust the guy driving the shiny clean 2013 Escalade wearing a suit, boots, and a cowboy hat.

[raouldukelives]

6. They are killing all of California.

Up in northern Cal they are pumping water straight from the creeks & streams even though they are not supposed to. When caught and hit with a fine, it is a slap on the wrist.
If anyone cares about the environment and saving California Redwoods and wildlife I would beg them not to purchase California wine.