Economic analysis of artificial recharge and recovery of water in Butler Valley, Arizona

Abstract

Costs per acre-foot of water artificially recharged and recovered are estimated for selected plans in assessing the economic viability of conjunctive management of Butler Valley, Arizona and imported surface water delivered by the Central Arizona Project (CAP) aqueduct. Proposed artificial recharge methods which are consistent with previous technical studies in the Valley include spreading basins, channel modification and recharge wells. Calculated recharge/recovery costs for selected plans range from $94 to $488, depending on discount rate, design period and power rate. Identified benefits of the Butler Valley Project include seasonal and long-term storage, development of existing ground-water resources and value of assuring access to future water supplies under uncertain physical and socioeconomic conditions. With the implementation of proper water-management strategies, preliminary results indicate that conjunctive management of Butler Valley and CAP water might offer potential benefits to municipalities, industry and agriculture in Arizona.