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Meeting
Minutes Steering
Committee Wednesday,
February 12, 2003 – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friant
Learning Academy, Town of Friant Ground water discussion with Richard
Fronk, Owner – Fronk’s Mountain Well Drilling The Steering Committee
engaged in an extensive and far ranging discussion related to Richard’s 26
years of well drilling experience in this region. Richard has also served on the Fresno County Water Advisory
Committee for over 20 years. He has
been appointed to represent District 5 of the County Board of Supervisors which
includes the eastern Fresno County Sierra Nevada foothills and mountain areas.
The following are highlights of the discussion: A.
“Dry wells” –
Richard stated that he has not encountered that many “dry wells” over the
years. Maybe a number of what could
be considered “low production” wells. However,
this is relative due to people moving up from areas that connected to municipal
systems or city water. They may be
use to using 650 gallons / day in their communities.
Yet, even at 1 gallon per minute (“low production”) – that equates
to 1,200 gallons of water per day potentially available for use. B.
“Where are wells located on a parcel?” –
Richard stated that you are drilling into mostly rock formations – and that
you want to drill through rocks that have a multitude of fractures.
This is where the water will be available – collected in these
fractures. You want to be certain
that septic systems are away from wells. This
may range from 150 to 300 feet. He
indicated that wells do not have a minimum distance of separation – and that
they can be close to one another even between two adjoining parcels. C.
Small Parcels – It is becoming more difficult to drill for water on smaller parcels –
because of the septic and well separation issue – and the challenges
associated with uneven topography. D.
New owner’s awareness and education –
Individuals who move up from a city, whether Fresno/Clovis or Los Angeles who
have been on city systems don’t realize what it may mean to be on an
individual well and septic system. E.
“Typical” Well – Typical well production is in the 5-7 gallon per minute range.
The low end is 1-2 gallons per minute. F.
Building Permits based on water availability –
In Fresno County, a well log must be submitted before a building permit will be
issued. The legal minimum is ½
gallons per minute being produced. Additionally,
the County requires that a 2,500 gallon storage tank as a part of the system if
under 2 gallons per minute. G.
Drilling Technology – Rock
drilling is pneumatic – using an “air hammer” with over 1,000 cubic feet
of air with 350 psi (pounds per square inch) of compression and a cycle of 2,300
impacts per minute. H.
Cataloging Location of Wells –
Fresno County is beginning to use GPS technology to identify the precise
location of new wells. I.
“Areas of Water Deficiencies” –
Under Fresno’s County’s revised General Plan, the County Geologist is
required to begin the mapping and monitoring of wells in order to identify areas
that may not have adequate and sustainable ground water resources. J.
“What does it cost to drill a well?” –
Generally, it will cost about $12 per foot – plus $344 for a county permit to
Environmental Health to support the county’s well abandonment program. K.
“What is the water table in the foothills area?” –
Richard indicated that there isn’t anything that would be a water table –
because of the geology of the foothills is predominately fractured rock.
Water may be as close as 20 feet below the surface. L.
“How deep are wells drilled” –
Back in 1976 wells were 100-200 feet deep and about 3 feet in diameter.
Today, the average well depth is about 400-700 feet – and is producing
decent yields. M.
Water Quality – Richard conveyed that overall that water quality has not been an issue
in the foothills. However, there
have been specific issues such as high salinity at one new site along San
Joaquin River (Kerchoff) and naturally occurring nitrate concentration in
Prather area. N.
Water Quantity – Richard stated that last summer, 2002 there was a number of marginal
wells that had to be drilled deeper – or new ones, “The most he had seen in
15 years”. However, these
wells were historically low producers to begin with. O.
Increased regulations – He
thinks that “Changes related to the regulation of wells has been for the good
– and that water quality and quantity analysis are fairly comprehensive.” P.
Historic / Anecdotal evidence of ground water quantity –
Joe Middleton shared his views associated with a spring that was running back in
1898 which indicated the abundance of groundwater in that area. |
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