Secrecy over state's well logs make it hard to track groundwater use

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Podcasts Take Two

Mar 25, 2015

Listen • 7:04

Secrecy over state's well logs make it hard to track groundwater use

In 1951, well drillers thought the disclosure of well completion logs would reveal their drilling techniques with competitors. California is the only state to keep them confidential.

Blue oak trees up to 500 years old thrive in California's drought-scorched foothills. Their rings provide a unique record of drought and wetness for the Golden State

In 1951, well drillers thought the disclosure of well completion logs would reveal their drilling techniques with competitors. California is the only state to keep them confidential.

California is now in its fourth year of drought. It's a crucial time for making sure not a single drop goes to waste. One way to do that? Tracking our groundwater use. But that's much easier said than done thanks to a 64-year-old California law.

Tom Knudson joined the show to tell us more about it. He's senior reporter with the investigative news outlet Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting.