Nov 20, 2023 | View All Issues
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is a potential strategy to compensate for overdrafted basins and enhance aquifer health. Aquifers are underground water tanks and can potentially store much more water than surface reservoirs. Smart aquifer management can enhance the sustainable use of water resources.
As we have observed more frequent rainfall in Napa, it's time to reflect on the implications of groundwater recharge. Common methods of groundwater recharge include filling recharge basins or ponds, directing water to unlined canals and riverbeds, injecting water through wells, in-lieu recharge (using extra surface water for recharge when available), and rainfall harvesting.
However, challenges remain with groundwater recharge. For example, there may not be enough land available for these projects, and setting up and maintaining recharge efforts can be costly. There's also the potential for negative ecological impacts.
Enhancing groundwater recharge efforts requires a collective effort to overcome these potential barriers.
Have you tried groundwater recharge before, and how did it work? If not, what are your concerns? In your opinion, what can the county do to incentivize groundwater recharge projects? Please write to us to share your stories!
Related readings:
Renewing California’s Groundwater: Ready, Set, Recharge!
Groundwater Recharge in California
These Farmers Recharged Groundwater by Catching Atmospheric Rivers
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