Michael Smit

Australia

Contributor at Freelance

Featured in: Favicon

ridgecrestca.com Favicon

wiley.com (+1) Favicon

sagepub.com Favicon

oxfordjournals.org Favicon

nordicapis.com Favicon

ibrs.com.au Favicon

parsonssun.com Favicon

journals.sagepub.com

Articles

IWVWD responds to public questions on adjudication lawsuit

1 week ago | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

At the Indian Wells Valley Water District board meeting on June 9, Water District board and staff answered questions on its water adjudication lawsuit that aims to determine water rights of all parties in the Indian Wells Valley. The questions came from John “Skip” Gorman.
Water District and Groundwater Authority spar, yet again, over water pipeline

1 month ago | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

The May 14 board meeting of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority opened with board member and IWV Water District representative Chuck Griffin discussing ways to improve the severely damaged relationship between the Water District and the other members of the IWVGA. He suggested some sort of mediation arrangement where they could talk through problems, and he said he’d bring up the idea with the Water District board at their next meeting.
IWVWD approves consolidation with Dune 3 Mutual Water Company

1 month ago | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

At the Indian Wells Valley Water District board meeting on May 12, the Water District board unanimously approved a consolidation agreement with Dune 3 Mutual Water Company. The consolidation will bring approximately 37 connections from the small water system located northwest of Ridgecrest into the Water District's infrastructure, providing those residents with a more reliable water supply. kA 4=2DDlQA`QmsF?6 b 92D 366? DECF88=:?8 H:E9 28:?8 :?7C2DECF4EFC6 2?5 @H?6CD ?@ =@?86C H:==:?8 E@ CF?
Water District retains lobbying firm to oppose legislation restricting sustainable yield adjustments

2 months ago | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

At the Indian Wells Valley Water District board meeting on April 14, the board unanimously approved retaining KP Public Affairs, a lobbying firm based in Sacramento, to oppose proposed state legislation that aims to solidify the sustainable yield numbers at the point decided in a groundwater sustainability plan. The board agreed to a flat retainer fee of $5,000 per month through at least June 2025.
IWVGA annual report says basin continues to be in overdraft

Mar 21, 2025 | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

At the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority board meeting on March 12, the IWVGA board received its Water Year 2024 annual report, showing continued groundwater overdraft despite normal precipitation levels. The presentation also highlighted progress the IWVGA is making toward achieving groundwater sustainability in the Indian Wells Valley.
Water District pauses recycled water project, points to City Council’s unclear commitment

Mar 14, 2025 | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

At the Indian Wells Valley Water District board meeting on March 10, the Water District board agreed to table any plans to move forward on the recycled water project. This decision comes after Water District general manager George Croll requested clarity from the Ridgecrest City Council about whether or not the Water District could have an opportunity to access the city’s wastewater.
Groundwater Authority criticized over lacking transparency and public engagement

Feb 28, 2025 | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

At the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority board meeting on Feb. 12, transparency and public engagement took the spotlight multiple times throughout the meeting. Several members of the public criticized the board for the late release of meeting materials and a lack of sufficient outreach on key issues. One of the primary issues raised was the late publication of documents related to the settlement with Mojave Pistachios, which was finalized at the meeting.
IWVWD approves rate hikes at meeting

Feb 14, 2025 | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

At the Indian Wells Valley Water District board meeting on Feb. 10, the Water District board unanimously approved water rate increases set to scale up over the next five years. Water District board member David Saint-Amand said, “I don’t like rate increases, but we have to keep this water district running so there’s reliable, safe water for all of our customers.”kA 4=2DDlQA`QmkDA2? 4=2DDlQD`Qm%96 (2E6C s:DEC:4E H:== C2:D6 H2E6C C2E6D `aT 67764E:G6 |2C49 `[ a_ad] xE H:== E96? C2:D6 C2E6D `_T :?
IWVGA outlines next steps following $50M federal authorization

Jan 17, 2025 | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

At the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority board meeting on Jan. 8, the board discussed the path forward after securing a $50 million federal authorization through the Water Resources Development Act. This authorization, announced last month, sets a course for possible funding to assist groundwater sustainability projects in the IWV, particularly the construction of the IWVGA’s planned imported water pipeline. “This is monumental,” said member of the public Renee Westa-Lusk.
Water District presses city for progress on recycled water project

Jan 17, 2025 | ridgecrestca.com | Michael Smit

At the Indian Wells Valley Water District board meeting on Jan. 13, the board discussed the possibility of using recycled water from the city’s wastewater treatment plant as a sustainable water source. However, progress has been hindered by the lack of certainty over water allocation between the Water District and the City of Ridgecrest.