Not all farmers are sold on recycled water

NOTE: This story has been modified significantly from its original version. I spent some time talking to Jack Olsen from the Farm Bureau and have updated it to reflect some of his concerns.

Coastside farmers are not at all convinced that they want or need recycled water, according to the County Times.

I talked with Jack Olsen, of the San Mateo County Farm Bureau, who’s quoted in the story. He feels it doesn’t properly present farmers’ interest in recycled water, saying "We’re very open to looking at it if it’s safe, reliable, and affordable."

That could be a tough challenge for recycled water to meet.  The County Times cites Olsen in saying that recycled water could cost $300 or $400 a month compared to $90-$100 for the electricity needed to operate a pump.

The story also quotes farmers concerned that no one will want to eat produce grown with "sewer water", no matter how many times it’s treated. However, it doesn’t cite any evidence that consumers would have concerns about the source of the water.

The one farmer who was quoted as enthusiastic about recycled water was Coastside County Water District board member John Muller. In our conversation, Olsen named a number of other large Coastside farmers who are supportive of recycled water.

The story also notes a dispute over the effect of pumping on Pilarcitos Creek. Half Moon Bay City Council member David Gorn is quoted as saying that the pumping is depleting the creek. I know of other people who have looked into the problem and are convinced the evidence shows that pumping, particularly by the Half Moon Bay Golf Links, is a big problem for the Creek. Olsen’s not so sure, noting that creek is complex system with multiple dams manipulating its flow and the Pillar Point breakwater affecting its mouth, and that agriculture in the Pilarcitos watershed is down significantly from past levels.