Assessing the Feasibility of Managed Aquifer Recharge in California

Abstract

Groundwater resources around the world are becoming stressed from continued extraction. Advances in pumping technology, growth of irrigated agriculture, and increased population have rapidly increased groundwater use over the past 60 years (Dillon et al., 2018; OECD, 2015). At the same time, many rivers are fully appropriated, and surface water is becoming increasingly variable under climate change (Scanlon et al., 2016). Water managers have responded with increased use of managed aquifer recharge (MAR), the "intentional storing and treatment of water in aquifers" (see also Dillon, 2005; National Research Council et al., 2008; Scanlon et al., 2016). Equation 1 (Scanlon et al., 2016) relates total groundwater storage (GWS) to natural and anthropogenic sources of aquifer inflow and outflow. Inflow is the sum of natural recharge (R NAT) and human recharge, including irrigation (R IRR) and MAR (R MAR); outflow is the sum of natural discharge (Q NAT), including baseflow to streams and riparian evapotranspiration, and anthropogenic pumping (Q PU). To stabilize or increase groundwater levels, water managers can reduce outputs, increase inputs, or both. MAR (R MAR) aims to directly influence recharge by moving water into the aquifer; it is generally contrasted with nonmanaged recharge that occurs as a side effect of irrigation, reservoir storage, and other practices (R IRR) (Dillon et al., 2018; Scanlon et al., 2016). There are numerous physical aquifer recharge technologies, such as slowing down instream flows with check dams, letting water infiltrate through spreading basins, and injecting water through a well or borehole (

Institutions and the Economic Efficiency of Managed Aquifer Recharge as a Mitigation Strategy Against Drought Impacts on Irrigated Agriculture in California

“…Authors point to regulatory constraints and MAR water source quality as potential barriers for future expansions of MAR practices in California, and offer excess irrigation of agricultural fields using flood flows as a promising remedy, however, requiring regulatory adaptation. Ulibarri et al (2021) also identify similar barriers jeopardizing the full implementation of planned MAR projects by water agencies in the Central Valley aimed at meeting SGMA objectives. In their concluding remarks, the authors argue that a portfolio approach combining MAR with demand management tools (e.g., groundwater extraction limitations) could be a promising strategy, meeting SGMA objectives.…”

“…Ulibarri et al. (2021) also identify similar barriers jeopardizing the full implementation of planned MAR projects by water agencies in the Central Valley aimed at meeting SGMA objectives. In their concluding remarks, the authors argue that a portfolio approach combining MAR with demand management tools (e.g., groundwater extraction limitations) could be a promising strategy, meeting SGMA objectives.…”

Introduction to Special Section: The Quest for Sustainability of Heavily Stressed Aquifers at Regional to Global Scales

“…Ulibarri et al. (2021) assess the hydrological, legal, institutional, and operational challenges that threaten the feasibility of the MAR projects proposed to achieve the goals of this new management framework.…”

“…Managed aquifer recharge is slated to be one of the most important tools for bringing these aquifers to a more sustainable condition. Ulibarri et al (2021) assess the hydrological, legal, institutional, and operational challenges that threaten the feasibility of the MAR projects proposed to achieve the goals of this new management framework.…”

3 Challenges, 3 Errors, and 3 Solutions to Integrate Frontline Communities in Climate Change Policy and Research: Lessons From California

“…Land use repurposing to achieve environmental justice can be profitable for multiple stakeholders while also bringing socioeconomic opportunities for frontline communities. Managed aquifer recharge projects (Flood-MAR) can improve water security in frontline communities, incentivize farmers, and increase groundwater reliability for agriculture and ecosystems (Bourque et al, 2019;Bryant et al, 2020;Marwaha et al, 2021;Ulibarri et al, 2021). Renewable energy can be combined with agriculture (e.g., agrivoltaic systems).…”