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Monson is a low-income, unincorporated community located in the County of Tulare 14 miles north of the City of Visalia within the vicinity of the City of Dinuba and the community of Sultana. Currently all of the residential lots are served by private water wells and septic tanks. Nearly all of the community's wells were drilled several decades ago and almost all of the wells are shallow. Typical wells in Monson are 80 feet deep. Moreover, most of the private domestic wells produce water that exceeds the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrate of 45 mg/L.
As a result, in early 2008 residents from the approximately 45 home community began seeking funding to construct a community water system and obtain services from the neighboring town of Sultana. In early 2014, residents began reporting dry wells and over the last two years, approximately 10 wells have gone dry and many more remain vulnerable. The County of Tulare, in partnership with Self-Help Enterprises, Community Services Employment Training (CSET), and United Way, is currently providing household water tanks to eligible homes. Self-Help Enterprises is working with the community and the County of Tulare to obtain funding to drill a well and construct a partial water distribution system that will be able to serve homes within the core of the community.
This month, key progress was made to construct the water system. Moved by Supervisor Steve Worthley, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the purchase of property for a water well in Monson. A well will be built and underground piping for the distribution system installed at the location. This vote is an important step in constructing the water system that will provide a long-term water source to the families who have been impacted by the drought. Construction is expected to begin in February.
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