Under the circumstances, low to moderate pumping rates are justified because the lens is not being recharged by rainfall. Pumping from Laura into the airport reservoir continues around the clock, but we consumers are still using far more water than Laura produces. That's why the reservoir level is dropping, even with water on every fourth day. Laura residents should be aware that falling water levels in taro pits and personal wells are not caused by pumping from the lens. They are caused by the drop in sea lever which occured with El Nino.
Lower tides prevent fresh water from being pushed up high enough to reach the taro.