Stuart and Lynda Resnick
Stuart and Lynda Resnick, through their company, The Wonderful Company, own a 57% stake in the Kern Water Bank, one of California's largest underground water storage facilities.
Stuart and Lynda Resnick are prominent agricultural entrepreneurs in California, owning major brands like Wonderful Pistachios and POM Wonderful. Their extensive farming operations in the Central Valley require substantial water resources, leading to scrutiny over their influence on the state's water supply.
In 1994, the Resnicks acquired control of the Kern Water Bank, a significant groundwater storage facility in California. This acquisition has been controversial, with critics arguing that it allowed private interests to dominate a crucial public resource. Some assert that such control has enabled the Resnicks to profit from water sales during droughts, potentially exacerbating water scarcity for other users.
Agriculture accounts for approximately 80% of California's water usage but represents only about 2% of its GDP. The Resnicks' large-scale farming operations are part of this dynamic, raising questions about the allocation and management of the state's water resources.
Stuart and Lynda Resnick, through their company, The Wonderful Company, own a 57% stake in the Kern Water Bank, one of California's largest underground water storage facilities.
The Kern Water Bank spans approximately 32 square miles and has the capacity to store up to 500 billion gallons of water.
This ownership grants the Resnicks significant control over a substantial water resource in the state.
In terms of water usage, The Wonderful Company consumes at least 120 billion gallons annually, with two-thirds allocated to nut cultivation.
This volume is sufficient to supply San Francisco's 852,000 residents for a decade.
While the Resnicks' ownership and usage represent a significant portion of California's water resources, it's important to note that the state's water system is complex, involving numerous stakeholders, including other agricultural entities, municipalities, and environmental interests.
For a more in-depth understanding of the Resnicks' influence on California's water resources, you might find the following video informative:
While the Resnicks' water usage is substantial, attributing California's water scarcity solely to their operations oversimplifies a complex issue. Factors such as prolonged droughts, climate change, outdated infrastructure, and statewide agricultural demands all contribute significantly to water shortages. Therefore, while the Resnicks play a notable role in California's water landscape, they are not solely responsible for the state's lack of water.
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