Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is an intentional human effort to supplement the natural replenishment of groundwater aquifers by restoring storage levels where they are depleted by drought. It is intended to mitigate the effects of climate uncertainty on irrigated agriculture.
This study analyses how MAR management might affect the Kings Groundwater Basin in California using three different policy scenarios and three separate climate scenarios for each policy. SEI’s flagship water modelling software, WEAP, was used to simulate the region’s hydrology and water management decisions while applying operating rules and constraints to water allocation decisions.
The authors’ research indicates that intentional aquifer recharge can greatly benefit the Kings Groundwater Basin, possibly growing average groundwater levels by 20% during a 20-year period.
