The Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency has grant money to study the Johnson Valley aquifer, but the matter is hardly simple, according to the Hi-Desert Star:
At the controversial heart of the matter is the protection of private well owners’ water rights. Few Johnson Valley residents are on metered water delivery systems. Members of this independent community rely on water trucks, hauling their own or sinking wells at their own expense. Betty Munson, president of the Johnson Valley Improvement Association, claimed, “Johnson Valley does not want improvements or add-ons, nor should its water be exported elsewhere. This came up several years ago and everyone said ‘No!’” Another concern for some Johnson Valley residents is that expanded water infrastructure will bring unwanted outside development.
[Board President Phil] Johnson further explained the agency’s position: “We’re not looking to put in a water system, we’re looking to manage resources. All water underground belongs to the state. People in California demand that we stop waste. We have to collect data to see if lost water can be saved.”
In further Johnson Valley news, the Bureau of Land Management has announced public scoping for the West Fry Wind Energy Project, 34 wind turbines and ancillary facilities to be located on BLM lands within the Johnson Valley OHV area. More info here.
MORE INFO ON THESE ISSUES: On Community ORV Watch and on the Energy and Water pages of the MBCA Website. Previous blog posts: Energy.
