Managed Aquifer Recharge Symposium Innovative Use of Existing - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Innovative Use of Existing Facilities for Managed Recharge in the Upper Snake River Basin, Idaho

David R. Tuthill, Jr., Ph.D., P.E.

January 26, 2011

Managed Aquifer Recharge Symposium

Outline

 The physical scenario  The legal framework  A specific example of recharge  Determinations of where and how quickly

managed recharge water returns to the river system

 The challenge of determining who receives credit

for recharged water

 The path forward

Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer Estimated storage ~ 1 billion acre-feet Estimated depth ~ 4000 feet

Slide from

• Dr. Gary Johnson

U of I

Precipitation Tributary Underflow Evapotranspiration Surface Irrigation Spring Discharge Major Sources

• f Recharge and

Discharge

Slide from

• Dr. Gary Johnson

U of I

• 8
• 6
• 4
• 2

2 4 6

SW Irrigation Tributary Inflow Precipitation Stream and River Losses Canal Losses River Gains Pumpage Change in Storage

Discharge Recharge (millions AF/yr)

Snake Plain Aquifer Water Budget

Slide from

• Dr. Gary Johnson

U of I

Slide from

• Dr. Gary Johnson

U of I

Snake River at Milner

Water Supplies are not always sufficient so junior ground water rights are in danger of being curtailed

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000

1910 1915 1920 1925 1930 1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

1000 ACFT

ANNUAL RUNOFF SNAKE RIVER AT MILNER

1910-2009

Data supplied by Idaho Department of Water Resources

On average, the spill for the basin is about 1 MAF during periods of plenty – Thus, the challenge is to recharge much

• f this water…

Impediment

 Much of the basin is overlain with tight

soils

 So… Use existing canals and seek

areas where the overburden is reduced

200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400

24-Feb 10-Mar 24-Mar 7-Apr 21-Apr 5-May 19-May 2-Jun 16-Jun 30-Jun 14-Jul 28-Jul 11-Aug 25-Aug 8-Sep 22-Sep 6-Oct 20-Oct 3-Nov 17-Nov 1-Dec 15-Dec 29-Dec

Cubic feet per second

2010 - ESPA Recharge Diversions

BWCC SWID SRVID FMID AFRD2 ASCC

Data supplied by Idaho Department of Water Resources

Data supplied by Idaho Department of Water Resources

Ground Water Flow Systems

Regional Flow System (centuries) Intermediate Flow System (decades) Local Flow System (years)

Why consider conjunctive relationships between ground water and surface water?

In Idaho the appropriation doctrine is used for the delivery both surface water rights and ground water rights— “first in time is first in right”

Section 42-4201 Idaho Code

 Ground Water Recharge

 … The welfare of the people of the state of

Idaho is dependent upon the conservation, development, augmentation and optimum use of the water resources of this state. The legislature deems it essential therefore that every effort be made to foster and encourage water projects designed to promote these objectives…

Basalt in drainage channel after the wetting front from Egin Lakes outlet

View to the northwest - panorama 1 of ponding area

Modeling and Graph prepared by Bryce Contor

Situation 2

Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer

Recharge Situations

Situation 1

Examples: Aquifer Storage and Recovery

Section 42-4223 Idaho Code

 Contracts to Receive Benefits

 … any person or entity who has acquired or is in

the process of acquiring a right to appropriate water downstream from the boundaries of the district may enter into a contract with the board

• f directors of the aquifer recharge district for the

receipt of benefits from the district. The consideration to be paid by any company, person

• r entity so contracting shall be as specified in

the contract…

The Path Forward

 Aquifer recharge is a good idea for

many locations in Idaho, including the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer

 A system is needed to provide credit for

recharge – government has not been able to accomplish this – perhaps the private sector can assist…

 We are eager to determine what is

working in other Western States

Thank You