Sprawl Draining Groundwater In Lake County

"Huge demands could have a heavy impact on the area's water supplies, drawing down the aquifer and tainting it with pollution, according to a report to be presented today by the U.S. Geological Survey.Public water demand for growing residential areas is expected to increase by more than 185 percent - from 35 million gallons a day in 1998 to 100 million gallons a day with 20 years. Add agricultural interests and other water uses, and additional pumping could deplete groundwater levels by several feet in some areas."