Slowly, gradually, it will change. We won't even know we've missed wading in a creek, operating a family dairy farm, fishing, or drinking anything but treated water. Businesses, communities, health, and habitat will all be affected. For most rural landowners in Humboldt county, their water comes pure and drinkable from the ground. Yet, Humboldt County also has unique local conditions making this water vulnerable to contamination.
Bedrock lies close to the surface in much of the county.
Sinkholes and rock fractures are common providing conduits for groundwater contamination. Local farmers estimate dozens more wells are unknown or unreported. In one of the three ordinances under attack, the Humboldt County Supervisors try to address this concern. Each landowner must then test the water in any ADW before applying manure. In following years, if manure is applied each well must again be tested.