Groundwater Replenishment

Since 1973, our natural groundwater replenishment has been supplemented with Colorado River water imported through the Colorado River Aqueduct.

The Desert Water Agency, as a participating public agency, is entitled to water originating in Northern California through the State Water Project.

Because there is no direct pipeline from Northern California to the desert, the Agency trades its State water allotment with the Metropolitan Water District's Colorado River allotment, which is accessible to our recharge basins located near Windy Point.

Mission Creek Ground Water Replenishment Report
“If ground water replenishment with imported water (artificial recharge) is excluded, annual ground water overdraft within Mission Creek Subbasin of the Coachella Valley Ground Water Basin (Plate 1) is currently estimated to be roughly 9,000 AF/yr to 10,000 AF/yr. Supplementing natural ground water replenishing from rainfall runoff…” READ MORE

Whitewater Groundwater Replenishment Report
“If ground water replenishment with imported water (artificial recharge) is excluded, annual ground water overdraft within Whitewater River Subbasin of the Coachella Valley Ground Water Basin (Plate 1) is currently estimated to be approximately 107,000acre feet per year (AF/Yr).” READ MORE