Press release from Indian Wells Valley Water District and Searles Valley Minerals
The Indian Wells Valley Water District (District) and Searles Valley Minerals (SVM), along with others, have released additional data and information showing that the Indian Wells Valley (IWV) Basin has an annual safe yield that is higher than previously calculated. The new details support the findings in the Technical Working Group’s (TWG) Assessment of Safe Yield, released on September 4, 2024, that the Basin can safely supply 14,300 acre-feet of water annually, nearly double the 7,650 acre-feet previously estimated by the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA).
The newly-released data and information, included in appendices to the TWG’s new report, explain how experts arrived at this updated estimate and underscore the need for clear and accurate data. The discrepancy between the new estimate of 14,300 acre-feet per year and the previous estimate of 7,650 acre-feet per year raises concerns about the IWVGA’s earlier numbers and calls for greater transparency.
Ronald Kicinski, President of the Indian Wells Valley Water District Board, said, “These new findings show that the Basin can provide much more water than was previously disclosed. It’s crucial that we have clear and accurate information to manage our water resources effectively. We must ensure that any solutions we pursue don’t unfairly impact our community’s finances. We’re calling on the IWVGA to release their groundwater model so we can all work together to address these issues.”
Dennis Cruise, President/CEO of Searles Valley Minerals, added, “The large difference in these water estimates highlights the need for full transparency. Our decisions about water management must be based on the best and most accurate data available. We urge the IWVGA to share their groundwater model so we can find a fair and sustainable way to manage our water resources.”
You can review the TWG’s full report, including the appendices, on the Protect Our Valley’s Water Coalition website at protectourwater.info and the IWVWD website at iwvwd.com.
