__Empty__Wells__pt2__

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Porterville, USA: where the faucets run dry.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]Part two, part one here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[dropcap]As[/dropcap] the crisis grows as more and more families are running out of water. More people have to improvise solutions for themselves; some seek assistance from those who still have access to ground water, such as hooking a neighbour’s garden hose to their house. Others haul water home in giant barrels or gray plastic garbage cans.  Farm workers and other poor inhabitants are feeling the effects most severely.

The crisis grows as more and more families are running out of water. More people have to improvise solutions for themselves.

City officials placed water containers in approximately 1,200 homes, but that’s only half of the family units that don’t have water. There are rising worries the drought could wipe this entire town off the map.

Baptism is a rite of initiation into the catholic faith, ironically requiring water. Although the drought is impacting on their way of life, parents maintain their commitment to teach and mentor their children’s faith.

Tule River originates in the Sierra Nevada east of Porterville,the South Fork meets the others at Lake Success.

Manuel owns “Sabroso” a local restaurant, he has noticed people are leaving town, a lot of them are saying they can not live without water.

Across California, there are many areas like East Porterville – a poor, dense and unincorporated community on county territory with lack of basic public services. There is no provision of septic systems, clean drinking water, sidewalks, streetlights or rainstorm drains.

More than 1000 wells have dried up here in East Porterville, which happens to be one of the richest agricultural areas in the ‘States.

Dry rock bottom at Lake Success, East Porterville

This is a community that has been the victim of years of government neglect: Language barriers, legal status’ and a lack of political know-how make it difficult for residents to navigate the governmental process to gain access to the fundamental public utilities.

The lack of water changed the way of life for the residents. No longer can they bathe normally since there is no tap water

Emergency supply of drinking water for homes in East Porterville.

“You’re looking at very small communities that are impoverished, and in many cases, (residents are) undocumented, and that puts them at a severe disadvantage. There are very few people who want to take on these communities as a priority for a variety of reasons.” Assemblyman Henry T. Perea.

One of many homes in East Porterville their water well run dry.

A local family making their way to the market.

Ricardo Palavecino
Ricardo has been a cinematographer, videographer, and photographer for the past 30 years. He has a multicultural background with substantial international experience in documentaries, dramatic films, mini series, commercials, network promos and corporate videos. He has provided services to various television networks and production companies including, Reuters, Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, Sundance Channel, Sony Pictures, AXN Japan, TV Asahi Japan, RAI Italy, and many others.
Check Ricardo’s work here: http://www.rpalavecino.com.temp.livebooks.com/
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