Water Policy

Update on our last Action Alert to stop LADWP’s Deep Aquifer Groundwater Pumping: your voices matter! Thank you all who wrote in and made your voices heard last week: LADWP retracted the deep aquifer groundwater pumping documentation (Notice of Exemption/Notice of Determination) from the Inyo County Clerk on October 8, 2024. and has stated that any forthcoming proposed well replacement project will be subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). While we know this attempt to pump from the deep well aquifer is likely far from over, we want to thank everyone who spoke out and made it clear…

LADWP is trying to avoid public and environmental scrutiny for new, deeper wells in Owens Valley by claiming they are “replacement” wells under the 1991 Environmental Impact Review. We need to push back hard against these efforts to increase extraction without any environmental analysis and write to LADWP to tell them they cannot skirt the California Evironmental Quality Act for this new strategy of deep aquifer groundwater pumping.  

Come support the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission at LADWP’s Board Meeting, this Tuesday, July 9! Contribute a public comment verbally during the meeting, or written online before 6pm on Monday, July 8. Every voice matters!