Model and Strategy
Sustainable Conservation and its partners are leading a project that puts into practice an affordable and innovative
water management tool – farmland groundwater recharge using floodwater – that can be used to move
groundwater basins in the San Joaquin Valley toward a sustainable balance of groundwater pumping and
replenishment. Our solution more closely mimics the natural floodplain process of rivers spreading seasonally
across the valley to replenish the groundwater aquifers below. Levees built to protect communities and farmland
have restricted the natural process of recharge. The project enlists the support of farmers, industry groups,
irrigation districts, researchers, policy makers and businesses to help ensure water supply continuity for agricultural
production and community drinking water, improved groundwater quality, and flood protection for rural
communities.
Impact
Greater awareness and understanding of farmland recharge as a viable, costeffective alternative among key stakeholders ranging from farmers to policy makers.
Widespread adoption of a diversified recharge strategy by Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, leading to increased capture of available flood flows and significantly greater quantity of water recharged which can ultimately lead to sustainable groundwater management.
Cost-effective methods that expand available groundwater supplies by capturing flood water in high water years and storing it in the ground so that sufficient groundwater is available to weather droughts.
Increased capture of available flood flows and quantity of water recharged, ultimately achieving sustainable groundwater management.
Leadership
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Ashley Boren
Executive Director