Aquifer Recharge Program

The Idaho Water Resource Board and a number of private entities are diverting flows in the wintertime and high runoff periods (using junior priority rights designated for recharge) to recharge groundwater aquifers in the state. The goal of these projects are to increase aquifer storage during wet periods and decrease the draw down of the aquifers during periods of drought. Recharging the aquifers also helps maintain junior water rights in priority by increasing base flows throughout the year. Recharge also increases downstream aquifer discharge that is used for hydropower production.