The Flying Dragon Multibenefit Groundwater Recharge Project (Flying Dragon) has moved into the construction phase, making room for more groundwater storage later this year.

In December 2025, East Kaweah GSA broke ground on Flying Dragon, a 58-acre site that will provide approximately 1,000 acre-feet of average groundwater recharge annually. In addition to strengthening local water supplies, the project includes a conservation area with native habitat restoration and a walking trail.

By April, East Kaweah GSA anticipates securing the final two permits – Flood Board permit and a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The recharge basin is expected to be completed by October 2026, positioning the GSA to route water there by the end of the year. When the basin is ready to hold water, East Kaweah GSA will coordinate with Friant Water Authority districts to convey excess Central Valley Project water into Cottonwood Creek, west of the Friant-Kern Canal.

Projects like this strengthen East Kaweah GSA landowners’ long-term water supply and support a sustainable local groundwater future.