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• o <br /> (Ile 0 7 - <br /> 3. We need to be mindful about the use and the potential of over-use <br /> of groundwater. It is not only needed for the life and well being of <br /> people, but also sustains the flow of water in our streams, creeks, <br /> and rivers - so essential to the sustainability of all of our natural <br /> environment. <br /> 4. It is often observed that the rated "yield" of a well diminishes after a <br /> few years of use. One reason for this is pumping the well level <br /> down, below the intercepted rock fracture that provides water to the <br /> well. Repeated exposure of the fracture or crack to air can allow <br /> mineral deposition or growth of naturally occurring bacteria or algae <br /> to seal up the area and reduce flow of water into the well. Pump <br /> burn-out may also be caused by pumping in excess of the in-flow <br /> rate long enough to lower the level of water below the pump. <br /> Pumping rates and pump depth in the well must be considered for <br /> long term sustainable use. Some repair methods are available <br /> where reduction in yield due to fracture exposure has occurred. <br /> 5. Finally, the committee recommends that the county institute a long- <br /> term program of well measurements that can provide information as <br /> to the effects of land use changes and climatic changes on the <br /> availability of ground water. The USGS data gives us a base line of <br /> information that can be useful into the future with the addition of a <br /> good monitoring program. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Donald N. Cox, Chairman <br /> Water Resources Committee <br /> 5 <br />