Groundwater is a key resource under stress in California – communities rely on underground aquifers for drinking water, and farmers use groundwater as an essential water source, especially during times of drought. Many species and their habitats rely on the connection of groundwater to surface water to thrive. California’s recent drought has overdrawn these subterranean savings accounts, but we’re partnering with farmers, environmental advocates and the agricultural industry to pilot and scale a promising solution: groundwater recharge. Recharging groundwater with available surface water in wet years can add up to big water savings that mean a more sustainable water future for farmers, communities and the environment.

Project Results

Based on learnings and guidance developed through our field experience, we partnered with Earth Genome to create the Groundwater Recharge Assessment Tool (GRAT) – an online decision support tool that enables irrigation districts and Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to evaluate different options for addressing their groundwater overdraft by easily creating and assessing different groundwater recharge scenarios. We are also building on our field experience to help drive improved science, research and incentives at the statewide scale by collaborating with DWRâ€TMs Flood-MAR (Managed Aquifer Recharge) program.

In addition we were asked to co-coordinate a Flood-MAR Research Advisory Committee that is identifying the research, data and tool needs to advance the widespread adoption of flood capture on agricultural lands and working landscapes, including but not limited to refuges, floodplains, and flood bypasses.

Finally, we are active in engaging state agencies to address issues of water rights permitting, clarification of beneficial use, and funding incentives to encourage more recharge.