Santa Margarita Water District is working with Cardiz, Inc. to construct the pipeline, which will pump approximately 50,000 acre-feet of groundwater annually. According to USGS reports this exceeds the natural recharge rate of the groundwater in the region by 45,000 acre-feet a year. However proponents of the project say the natural recharge rate is closer to 30,000 acre-feet per year.
Several groups oppose the plan including a local mining operation that fears their operations will be affected by depleted groundwater, and the National Park Service and several environmental groups who are concerned about the ecosystem effects of withdrawing that much water.
Proponents of the plan point to the financial benefits in job creation and tax revenue for the local community.
Source: http://www.dailybulletin.com/breakingnews/ci_21672499/hearing-underway-cadiz-water-project
Image source: mojavedesert.net
