SJV Water

About SJV Water:

SJV Water was founded by Lois Henry, longtime Bakersfield Californian columnist.

Henry set out to demystify water and help the public engage in decision making for this critical resource.

Water defines the San Joaquin Valley. Yet it is one of the least understood resources we have. It has created a billion-dollar agricultural industry here while those who work in ag's lowest rungs often can't even bathe in water from their taps.

Regulations meant to protect fisheries have forced farmers to dig deeper into dwindling groundwater supplies. Fish populations continue to plummet along with valley roads and canals from over pumping. Meanwhile, valley towns sprawl outward with almost zero water conservation efforts. All of those disparities are a function of who controls the water. 

The future is rapidly changing as state officials, activists and others try and tip the scales.

SJV Water was created to report on all those issues – without bias - in plain language to bring greater understanding of a resource that is becoming California's next big commodity.

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