As precious groundwater vanishes, a few in California find ways to bring it back

""That sandy ground, when you put the water on it, it percolates into the groundwater and it recharges," said Jeevan Muhar, chief executive officer of Arvin-Edison Water Storage District."

""Unfortunately, groundwater is being depleted rapidly in many areas. However, groundwater depletion can be solved," said Scott Jasechko, a UC Santa Barbara professor of water resources."

"Jasechko examined 67 cases of groundwater recovery around the world, where water levels rose after prolonged decline. It happened three main ways: policy changes, tapping alternative water sources and replenishing aquifers."

"In California, groundwater has rebounded in areas that obtained more water from canals or pipelines decades ago, including Santa Clara Valley, Livermore-Amador Valley, South Yuba Basin, Yucca Valley and parts of Los Angeles."

In the southern San Joaquin Valley, the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District utilizes ponds to recharge groundwater by allowing river water to seep into the soil. This method helps counteract the widespread issue of groundwater depletion in California's Central Valley. The district monitors groundwater levels and pumps stored water to farms during dry periods. A scientific study highlights successful groundwater recovery efforts globally, emphasizing the importance of policy changes and alternative water sources in reversing declines in water levels.

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