MODESTO  –The Modesto Area Partners in Science (MAPS) will offer a presentation by professional geologist and certified hydrogeologist Chris Petersen speaking on the topic of “Keeping Our Wells From Running Dry” on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in Sierra Hall 132 on West Campus.

The event is open to the public and admission and campus parking are free.

 This MAPS topic is especially poignant for the Central Valley in light of the recent drought years.  As competition for groundwater increases, the water table drops and wells run dry, the questions arise:  Is our current usage of the Central Valley aquifer sustainable and will the aquifer system still be there for the agricultural community of tomorrow?  

 Agriculture, the economic backbone of the Central Valley of California, is heavily dependent on the pumping of massive amounts of groundwater from the Central Valley aquifer system, especially during dry years. Petersen will discuss how groundwater recharge in wet periods using recharge basins and wells could help to ensure the sustainable management of groundwater resources. In his talk, he will show how this problem has been handled in other parts of the state and provide some thoughts on what people in the Modesto area can do to advance groundwater storage.

 Petersen has an MS in Hydrology from the University of Arizona and has 26 years of experience in the planning and implementation of groundwater projects throughout California, many of which involve artificial recharge and conjunctive use facilities.  He is a principal hydrogeologist and project manager for West Yost Associates in Davis, California.

 For more information about the MAPS program contact Noah Hughes, 575-6800 or hughesn@mjc.edu.