An Earthquake Water Bonanza?

The San Francisco Chronicle reports some formerly dry creeks down south have water in them now. The Napa earthquake seems to have opened fissures in the ground that allow subterranean water to come to the surface. Most seem to think this is a good thing. I'm not so sure.

It depends on where the water is coming from. If it's coming from aquifers that are already being tapped for water, this probably isn't so good. All that does is reduce the amount of water being stored underground and accessible by wells. Once it's on the surface it's subject to evaporation or, as the article states, eventually ending up in the ocean where it's no longer immediately of use to us.

If it's coming from a previously unused aquifer, then that might be a good thing. I have no idea if there is a way to find out for sure, short of well levels dropping without explanation.