A hydrogeological evaluation and feasibility analysis of artificial groundwater recharge and recovery in eastern Pauba Valley, Riverside County, California

Abstract

The Rancho California Water District has an opportunity to conjunctively manage available ground, surface, imported, and reclaimed water resources through a program of artificial recharge and recovery. The site of proposed operations is eastern Pauba Valley, Riverside County, California. Hydrogeological analyses were conducted to identify valley aquifers, evaluate hydraulic properties and quantify ground water storage, movement and yield. Field studies included nine aquifer tests, a survey of well locations and construction of five monitoring wells. All data collected were entered into a computerized Water Resources Information Management System (WRIMS) custom configured for the project. A finite-difference computer simulation model was constructed to evaluate the feasibility and facilities requirements of two alternative recharge and recovery programs. Computer simulation results confirm the feasibility of 9,000 and 18,000 acre feet per year recharge and recovery programs.