Ozarks Aquifer drying up (Springfield, Joplin: home, university, maintenance)

[ozarksboy]

The aquifer under Joplin is drying up, according to this news story.

Unfortunately, it is because industries are heavy users of water. People need the jobs, but the jobs are drying up the aquifer. It's always something.
Excerpts:

As for what he learned during the meeting, he said: “I understand there is an issue with the water. These people have re-emphasized that by putting all of the information in one place. It looks to me that water will become as valuable as fuel some day.”

Representatives of the U.S. Geological Survey unveiled a four-year study Wednesday night at Missouri Southern State University that suggests that the Ozark aquifer — a primary source of water for many municipalities in the Tri-State Area — could go dry in places if demand increases by as little as 1 percent annually over the next 50 years.

A model simulating groundwater withdrawal at future rates greater than actual 2006 rates suggested that the aquifer could be emptied near some municipalities.

Carthage and Noel, towns with industries that use large quantities of water, would be among the first to feel the impact of a groundwater shortage. Joplin and Miami, Okla., would be next if water usage in those communities were to increase dramatically. Among the communities least likely to be affected by a groundwater shortage is Pittsburg, Kan. That’s because Pittsburg is not a heavy user of water.

[ShadowCaver]

OB - you've brought up a subject that is very important and close to my interests. For many years, going back to when I lived in Rolla area and kept more in touch with some friends at DNR, the availability, purity, and 'rights' of water has been of keen interest to me. Unfortunately, its a subject that does not receive the amount of visibility or press that it deserves - as quoted in the article you reference "water will become as valuable as fuel some day." Many if not most people do not realize or even think about their water supply, or the behind the scenes battles going on about water supply.

Consider the Colorado River - the mighty river of the West, the one that created the Grand Canyon... yet it barely trickles into the sea, by the time its fluids are sucked out of its banks due to agriculture and residential and industrial demands. Worth the long read to understand & see what occurred here for its management: Sharing Colorado River Water: History, Public Policy and the Colorado River Compact

However, as stated above, too many people turn a blind eye, ignoring nor not recognizing the importance of this basic fluid to life and livelihood. Seems unfortunate IMHO that we do not have the leaders, community and regional wide, that will get behind the eight ball on this matter, and really try to make some short and long term plans - water as a resource needs to be managed, carefully and prudently and wisely, w/ all vested interests being considered. But, sadly, no matter how many times the subject is brought up, gets a bit of press, then falls to the back page... For example, here are some articles that cry for attention, but here we are, years later, not much wiser, but closer to the inevitable shortage and potential crisis - unless something is done to manage, both macro and micro levels, including aquifer and rivers and lakes, soon:
The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO - Officials: Water shortage looming - Dec 2004 article...

The Ozark Aquifer Water Summit, staged Thursday in Joplin, was designed to bring people together to talk about the possibility of a future water shortage in Southwest Missouri. For some Kansas officials who attended the summit, that shortage is happening now, and they are taking steps to deal with it.

Ocala Star-Banner - Google News Archive Search - 1982 article...
Amarillo Globe-News: Opinion: Sims: High Plains area could be left high and dry 08/10/02 - 2002 TX letter
Shortage Fears Hit Water-Rich, Policy-Poor Louisiana - 2001 article concerning LA but relevant to discussion

Some resources I recommend to those of desire to learn more:
USGS - Ozark Aquifer Study
Springfield Plateau Mountains Groundwater Province - MoDNR
Ozark Plateaus NAWQA Home Page
USGS Missouri Water Science Center
Restoration Plan

[Cali BassMan]

Ya'll be careful or they will start charging you for your well water, they do here....
I'm on city water and Pay around $100.00 a month, that's just for me and Wifie, and 2 dogs..Small lot 100x70 feet

[ozarksboy]

Originally Posted by Cali BassMan

Ya'll be careful or they will start charging you for your well water, they do here....
I'm on city water and Pay around $100.00 a month, that's just for me and Wifie, and 2 dogs..Small lot 100x70 feet

Well, if y'all do it in California, they're bound to make us pay it here sooner or later, likely sooner, probably before you move here.

[OA 5599]

Originally Posted by ShadowCaver

However, as stated above, too many people turn a blind eye, ignoring nor not recognizing the importance of this basic fluid to life and livelihood. Seems unfortunate IMHO that we do not have the leaders, community and regional wide, that will get behind the eight ball on this matter, and really try to make some short and long term plans - water as a resource needs to be managed, carefully and prudently and wisely, w/ all vested interests being considered. But, sadly, no matter how many times the subject is brought up, gets a bit of press, then falls to the back page...

Sadly, that type of public behavior will likely continue until the Ozark Aquifer does dry up in SW Missouri. Your average person doesn't think too much about water, and will keep turning a blind eye until it is too late and their well runs dry. Heck, I take water for granted just as much as anyone else, and always expect to have clean, safe drinking water at my disposal from a faucet in my own home. Missouri is blessed with wonderful streams, lakes, and springs, but that does not mean we are immune from water shortages in the future...even "wet" states like Georgia are starting to run out of water as their populations continue to grow.

A very interesting book on the subject is Cadillac Desert [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Desert ]. Although the book mainly describes water use in the western portions of the country, it is a good read and largely important for the whole country, as California grows a good portion of the nation's food.

[Hillman]

Ok this has been a concern of mine for the last few years we no longer get the Snows we use to.Spring thaw is a Joke anymore.All the moisture we're getting is in downpours that don't soak in.

hillman

[kshe95girl]

Shadow, I found it very interesting that you posted an article from the Ocala Star-Banner, I live in Ocala, as I am sure you know.
There is a huge battle brewing over the Ocklawaha River, of which I happen to live right on the banks of. Silver Springs runs into this river, it generates 522 million gallons daily.
I have the feeling that this beautiful little slice of Florida is going to be ruined by greedy developers, very sad!

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by ozarksboy

Well, if y'all do it in California, they're bound to make us pay it here sooner or later, likely sooner, probably before you move here.

We'll be paying. Water costs from community-owned wells are offset with our POA dues that also cover road maintenance and clearing when needed. It's a walloping $205 a year -- less than you can pay per MONTH in CA to have them tell you what color you can paint your house.

[lifelongMOgal]

IIRC, Missouri tried to pass legislation to charge for water from private wells in recent years. I believe the measure failed. I'd be against it still today.

While I'm all for water and land conservation and practive good stewardship to the best of my ability and pocketbook, I have a real problem with state and federal government infringing on my private land rights.

If I were to have a well drilled sucessfully and put in the $$ to pump it so I don't have to pay the local water utility for my water, that should be my right as a landowner; if not, stop charging me taxes on my land!

Maybe less asphalt and concrete are part of the solution. Let the water soak into the ground rather than running off and causing errosion. Farmers are required to terrace their land to cut down on water errosion. Why should cities not be required to responsibly collect street run-off from storm water drainage systems and guide it back to the aquifers rather than it all going straight to the rivers?