Conjunctive Use Groundwater Storage
Conjunctive Use can be defined as the coordinated management of surface and groundwater supplies to increase the yield of both supplies and enhance water reliability in an economic and environmentally responsible manner. West Basin sees the development of Conjunctive Use Groundwater Storage as a significant piece of the District’s goal in diversifying the service area’s water supply portfolio.
The benefits of Conjunctive Use Groundwater Storage include:
- Operational flexibility for groundwater production;
- Increased yield of the basin;
- More efficient use of surplus surface water during wet years;
- Financial benefits to groundwater users;
- Better distribution of water resources; and
- Increased measures of reliability.
At this time there is a proposal for water retailers to create groundwater storage both within and outside of the West Coast Groundwater Basin (WCGB) groundwater judgment. Included is the availability for both individual and regional storage projects under the guides of a cooperative agreement. Such a development within the WCGB will offer tremendous opportunity for both local and regional reliability.