The East Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency is proud to announce the launch of a new interactive Project Webpage, showcasing the significant efforts and progress made towards building a sustainable groundwater future. Built on ArcGIS StoryMaps, the Webpage showcases major groundwater recharge projects completed or currently underway since the adoption of the original Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) in 2020. The evolving StoryMap will house the latest on groundwater projects in the GSA and serve as an information resource for all stakeholders.
Local groundwater recharge projects play a critical role in maintaining a sustainable groundwater supply. The newly launched StoryMap offers an in-depth look at these projects as an accumulation of the countless hours East Kaweah GSA and its member agencies have devoted to increasing their capacity to capture surface water during wet years. These projects are crucial for supporting local growers and residents by mitigating the impacts of groundwater pumping, such as lowering groundwater levels, and ensuring a sustainable and increased water supply year-to-year.
The benefits of these projects extend beyond agricultural support. Recharge projects help:
- stabilize groundwater levels,
- improve groundwater quality,
- provide flood protection during the wettest years,
- enhance wildlife habitat,
- improve drinking water supplies for rural residents relying on private wells,
- and increase drought resilience by storing water for future dry years.
The estimated total groundwater recharge benefit from all the projects is 18,700 acre-feet, reflecting the significant positive impact on the region’s water resources.
These projects have been made possible through local funding sources, including the investments of local landowners in their surface water districts through assessments and fees. This local funding has been coupled with significant funding from grants. To date, the combined project costs total $17.5 million of which $3.6 million were grant dollars.
East Kaweah GSA extends thanks to all the entities involved in these projects as partners and executors. These partners include Stone Corral Irrigation District, Ivanhoe Irrigation District, Lindmore Irrigation District, Exeter Irrigation District, Lindsay-Strathmore Irrigation District, City of Lindsay, and Wutchumna Water Company.
To explore the StoryMap and learn more about these vital groundwater recharge projects, visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ba0c09aa3fa14a0dabfaba73b33f5b53
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About the East Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)
The East Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency is dedicated to managing and protecting groundwater resources within its boundaries in compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). East Kaweah GSA collaborates with local stakeholders, landowners, and agencies to develop and implement sustainable groundwater management practices.