Alternatives Analysis: Aquifer Recharge

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Sep 30, 2014/ 0 Comments / in Permitting Updates, Project Details / by
This graphic shows how Aquifer Recharge works in the Umatilla Basin. (Source: Oregonian)

This graphic shows how aquifer recharge could work in the Umatilla Basin. (Source: Oregonian)

An aquifer is a body of saturated rock underground through which water can easily move. Aquifers are commonly used as a source for wells and municipal use. Water extracted from aquifers is frequently referred to as groundwater. Aquifer recharge, or groundwater recharge, is a process where water is diverted from a surface water source into the aquifer where it is stored for later use. A series of pumps, pipes and other infrastructure delivers the water into the aquifer, and extracts it when needed. 

Since 1999, the Oregon Water Resources Department has been monitoring well measurements in the area. In the 1960s and 1970s new well installation and deepening occurred with some concentrations in two ground water limited areas (GLAs) that are within East Valley Water District’s service area. Wells were deepened in the 1970s, not primarily due to a declining water table but due to the increasing markets for high value food and nursery crops that were developing.

Some of the key components to a successful groundwater recharge project are: having a suitable aquifer for storing water, a network of infrastructure (piping, pumps, etc.) to support transport of the water, needing a wintertime source of water, and having the resources to support the financial and logistical needs of a recharge system.

East Valley Water District studied the feasibility of using groundwater recharge to supply water to their members. However, it was deemed infeasible because:

  • There is insufficient hydrogeological data to support the consideration that the aquifer could provide an adequate supply of water for current and future water needs.
  • The use of aquifers for seasonal storage requires a surface water source. There is not a surface water supply that could supply recharge of the aquifer on a reliable basis.
  • The absence of a reliable surface water to recharge the groundwater combined with the cost for treatment of the water and construction of a network of pipes and canals make this an unacceptable alternative.
  • The cost of construction of a network of pipes or canals and water treatment coupled with the unreliability of surface water supply near the aquifer deems this alternative as un-affordable.
  • The OWRD relates there has been no activity in this area to develop a demonstration aquifer storage recovery project.

Although early analysis of Aquifer Storage and Recovery has been deemed infeasible, East Valley Water District is continuing efforts to evaluate if this could be a strategy for a reliable and sustainable source of water.


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