Thomas E. Ballard, PG, CHG, principal hydrogeologist at Taber Consultants, a groundwater resources, geotechnical, and environmental consulting firm with offices in West Sacramento, California, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a registered professional geologist in California, Louisiana, and Tennessee, and a certified hydrogeologist in California. He spent time in the mining, and oil and gas industries before transitioning to groundwater and environmental consulting where he has a successful track record of innovative approaches to environmental site assessments and groundwater development. Most recently, Ballard has been spreading the word to small water districts on how routine well assessment and maintenance can improve operating efficiencies, reduce costs, and extend the life cycle of their water supply wells. He holds a B.A. in geology from the University of Montana and an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado.