Protecting Future Water Supply Through the Southeast Recharge Basin Project

To recharge water into the groundwater basin, the Stockton East Water District (SEWD) led the Farmington Groundwater Recharge Program (Farmington Program), which replenishes groundwater through excavated fields called spreading basins. These basins capture stormwater and enhance precipitation infiltration into the aquifer. The program significantly increased water storage from an initial 4,400 acre-feet to 16,000 acre-feet per year since 2019. SEWD expanded the program into additional water districts in the Southeast Recharge Basin to further increase groundwater recharge and management flexibility. This expansion allows basins experiencing algae blooms to be taken out of service for maintenance without compromising users’ water needs.