Solar projects become disasters as groundwater depletes, leaving angry residents desperate for water.

Desert Center, California: A Town in Crisis

Located just about halfway between Los Angeles and Phoenix, Desert Center, California, was once a bustling hub of activity. In the 1920s, the local Desert Center Cafe was open 24/7, serving customers as they traveled between the two iconic cities. The cafe’s motto was “We lost our keys, we can’t close!” (source: The Desert Sun).

Today, the Desert Center Cafe and the rest of the buildings on the main street stand abandoned and dilapidated. However, the small ghost town at its center is not the only thing left in Desert Center. The surrounding communities still thrive, and the natural landscape remains stunning. From the endless desert to the lush palo verde and aged ironwood trees, there is much to appreciate. Local treasures, such as rare desert tortoises and sacred indigenous sites, can also be found (source: The Western Journal).

Unfortunately, the construction of massive solar farms in the area has put all of these resources at risk, including the most precious one of all: the water supply (source: The Western Journal).

No More Water

John Beach, a landowner in Desert Center, initially didn’t think the local solar project would affect his property. However, he soon discovered that the solar farms were drying up the water supply. Even without a home on his land, Beach had been watering his two palm trees for 15 years. But suddenly, his electric bill skyrocketed from $15 to $1,800, and a local RV park faced a week without water for its 70 residents (source: Inside Climate News).

According to Inside Climate News, the solar farms near Desert Center are depleting the area’s underground water source, which is the sole provider of water for the community. The approval of these solar projects was based on limited and faulty data, leading to unforeseen consequences. While operating solar panels require minimal water, the construction process demands a significant amount, especially for dust cleaning. Former Bureau of Land Management officials were aware of the potential impact on water access but proceeded with the plans anyway (source: Inside Climate News).

Locals Push Back

Residents of Desert Center, like John Beach, are deeply concerned about the future of their communities. They have witnessed the setbacks faced by commercial fish farming operations and fear that the lack of water will soon affect more people, including those in the nearby retirement community of Lake Tamarisk. The disappearance of water and the intrusion of bulky solar panels have left locals feeling unheard and disregarded (source: Inside Climate News).

This Problem Soon Might Spread Across States

The issue of water depletion caused by solar projects is not limited to Desert Center. In 2012, the Bureau of Land Management created a plan to turn public land into “solar energy zones,” with half of those acres located near Desert Center. The bureau is now considering expanding the project to five more states. As the current administration continues to prioritize green energy initiatives, the impact on local communities and their water supply remains a pressing concern (source: Fox Business).

Desert Center and its surrounding communities are facing a crisis. The once-thriving town now grapples with abandoned buildings, dwindling water supplies, and the encroachment of solar farms. As the push for renewable energy continues, it is crucial to consider the long-term consequences and find sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of both the environment and the people who call these places home.

This article was originally published on The Western Journal.