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<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 />