Thousands of people rely on the shallow water aquifer for their drinking water. Many farmers rely on the aquifer for irrigation. It is VITAL to this valley. The land proposed for development has been identified as moderately important for maintaining the aquifer. Ground water is not very far down here at the site of the proposed development, and the land lies close to CARAS. Bottom line is it the wisest choice, considering the long-term implications of climate change, to cover over land that may be of importance to the aquifer recharge? Once covered over it cannot be undone.