Water and the Borderlands

Between Shafter and Bakersfield, that is. According to this article, the Bakersfield City Council will consider whether to ratify an agreement to settle the third of three lawsuits between Shafter and Bakersfield at their meeting on Wednesday.

Shafter had planned to use water from a wastewater treatment plant for farms, freeing up fresher water for new development. But Bakersfield sued, saying Shafter didn't have the right to use that water for development — only Bakersfield does.

Recent agendas of the Shafter City Council do not mention the agreement.

Given that housing starts nationally were at the lowest level they have been since 1991, it may be a while yet before this agreement matters.