It is hard for anyone to argue that the weather is becoming more extreme. This year is on pace to become one of the hottest on record, yet we have also seen unprecedented weather like torrential flash-flooding in the Northeast, United States, huge wildfires in Eastern Canada, and a hurricane in Southern California. As the erratic weather continues, it will be important to take safeguards, especially when it comes to protecting our water supply.
There are significant lessons to be gleaned from the 2023 California Water Plan Update, released earlier this year. It is important we examine our current infrastructure to ensure we’re leveraging technology and preparing for a water resilient future. Equally important is guaranteeing individuals and families have access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water.
While we overwhelmingly agree with the vision outlined in the Plan, there is one issue that requires additional focus, attention and investment. Paramount to our sustainable future is investing in the millions of water wells throughout the state and taking proactive measures to maximize our natural resources, while also preserving our environment.
The reluctance to invest in the preservation of water wells isn’t just a challenge in California; it is something we witness across the country and globally. A recent study by the American Society of Civil Engineers estimated that 6 billion gallons of water are lost every day in our water infrastructure. Shoring up these wells is important for utilities that manage public water systems and for agriculture that relies on groundwater to maintain farmland.
Over time, these critical access points experience a buildup of deposits, including sediment, minerals and biological activity which reduce production. As the age of these wells increases, so does the need for more regular maintenance and preventive action. If ignored, these conditions will result in complete well failure and require the construction of a new well.
There are ways to remove this buildup and increase efficiency and lifespan of this infrastructure. But many processes require the service area affected to be taken offline for long stretches of time. At Subsurface Technologies, Inc., we developed two proprietary technologies that increase production, decrease offline time for maintenance, are environmentally friendly and help with the proper management of the biggest assets in the water system. The result is clean, safe drinking water with minimal water loss.
Aqua Freed® is a well rehabilitation method that relies on inert liquids and gases that dissipate naturally instead of harsh chemicals. The process removes plugged deposits and restores water wells, including some that providers had given up on. Aqua Gard® is a preventative measure that integrates into current well technology. This is more economical and ensures ongoing prevention, helping to keep wells clear.
We need to be vigilant with the challenges that are ahead with climate change and the increased stresses on our water system. While the 2023 California Water Plan Update includes measures that should be taken, there is more we can do to ensure the security of high-quality water now and in the future. We’re proud to have developed two technologies that can help achieve this mission to protect water access for everyone across the world.
Chris Catania is the President of Subsurface Technologies, Inc. Steven Catania is the Vice President and COO of Subsurface Technologies, Inc.