As Wells Run Dry In California Drought, Stanislaus County Offers Free Water To Homes
STANISLAUS COUNTY (CBS13) — A Stanislaus County program is providing free water to homes facing the problem of wells running dry during the California drought.
The county says it started noticing the people running out of water weren't using the water for farms, they were using it for their homes.
Independent contractor Bryce Bryant says he's come to appreciate city water.
"Every few days we'll hit a well that's gone dry with only two feet of water. You don't know what it's like until it hits you. And then it's just gone," he said.
He and another worker built temporary water storage units for a house that ran out of water. It's the second one the built on Thursday in Patterson. Earlier they were at Robert Eyzaguirre's house.
"The water levels dropped and the motor overheated," Eyzaguirre said.
When nearby farms started tapping groundwater, his well drained quickly. His family has been using bottled water to drink, cook and bathe in. He said it will take 10 months until someone can dig him a new well.
"Unfortunately, all of the drillers are busy," he said.
His wife called the county's temporary water assistance program.
The Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services says anyone with a dry well qualifies. A nonprofit group provides the tank, and it's filled with water from several municipalities.
It's free, but the water doesn't last long.
"Well, they estimate 2,500 gallons will last us two weeks," Eyzaguirre said.
Two water haulers will refill the tanks as needed.
So far, the county has received 36 applications for water help.
