Thinking ahead: Planning for aquifer recharge in Scott Valley

Data shows Scott Valley’s aquifer is stable. But in light of this prolonged drought, we believe aquifer recharge is a preemptive action that will help all water uses and users. What is Recharge? During time of excess flow, surface water from the river is diverted into a ditch, then released at different locations and allowed to spread over dormant farm fields. Since plants don’t take up water when they are dormant, this water percolates into the soil profile and adds to the groundwater storage in the aquifer. This activity is also referred to as Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). Click here to read more about MAR in Scott Valley.