The water table is 90 feet below sea level in our aquifer. When we developed our well in Morada in 1971, the water level was at 44 feet. When we replaced our pump in 2005, it was at 97 feet; a substantial decline of 53 feet in 31 years.

Any time large volumes of water are removed from the ground and not replenished, a void is created. If the void is small, surface effects are minimal. But if that void is large, like our cone of depression, major surface structure damage can occur.

The results of subsidence can be costly to repair, and often are not repairable. We can see the manifestation of severe subsidence in the cracking and separating of porches and stairs, patios and walkways, stem wall and slab foundations, basements and driveways, and brick work and mortar. We can also see it in dry-wall cracking and large gaps between fireplaces, ceilings and walls; also in doors and windows not fitting and opening properly.

We understood the challenge of building on Morada's adobe clay expansive soil, and sought advice from experienced local builders and took their advised precautions. Yet we have experienced an inordinate amount of the above-mentioned symptoms in the last few years. I do blame the city of Stockton's over-dependence and reliance on groundwater pumping in the past, and currently, for Morada's subsidence-caused property damage.

William Van Amber Fields

Morada