California Ag Network

Tag: Water

  • Heat Illness Prevention Alert!

    Summer is coming, and temperatures are rising to levels of concern for heat illness for farm employees.  “Weather forecasts are looking at highly increased temperatures in the coming weeks,” shared Manuel Cunha, Jr., President of Nisei Farmers League.  “In some areas, an increase of more than 20 degrees than what we are used to at this time of the year.  Please follow the important rules for being sure your employees are safe.”

    Cunha emphasized the need for adequate shade and rest, water, training and an emergency plan.  It’s also critical to know and comply with recent changes to regulations regarding heat illness prevention, as follows:

    Ø  Acclimatization:

    o      Plan for new hires who will be exposed to heat to which the employee’s and body hasn’t yet adjusted.

    o      New employees must be closely observed for their first two weeks on the job.

    o      Allow employees to properly acclimate to high heat temperatures.

    o   Supervisors must be extra vigilant with new employees and stay alert to the presence of heat related symptoms.

    o   New employees will be assigned a buddy to closely watch for discomfort or symptoms of heat illness.

    Ø  Shade:

    o   Must be made available to 100% of the employees on rest breaks or meal periods when temperatures equal or exceed 80 degrees (NFL recommends to have shade available at the start of the day)

    o   May be provided by any natural or artificial means (ex: trees or vines that allow for workers to sit under comfortably is sufficient)

    o   If providing shade tents, shade tents should provide enough shade so that a person can sit in a normal posture fully in shade without being in physical contact with another worker.

    Ø  Water:

    o   Must be fresh, pure, and suitably cool.

    o   Shall be located as close as practicable to the area where employees are working.  (NFL recommends you provide a water station at shade area)

    o   Have a replenishment plan in writing.

    Ø  High Heat Procedures (triggered at 95 degrees):

    o   Encourage employees to take rest periods.

    o   Monitor employees during recovery and develop a buddy system

    o   Be sure crews are manageable (ex: 20 workers per crew)

    o   If possible, change work schedule to adjust to the temperature.

    o   You will be required to take a 10 minute paid break every two hours.  You will need to record all breaks.

    For more information, visit Cal/OSHA website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/dosh_publications/ESPHIP.pdf

  • Reclamation Releases Biological Assessment for CA Water Operations

    The Bureau of Reclamation released late last week the Biological Assessment for the re-initiation of consultation on the coordinated long-term operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. The document was transmitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service for consideration in developing new biological opinions covering CVP and SWP operations. Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources re-initiated consultation in 2016 based on new information related to multiple years of drought and ongoing science efforts.

    In October 2018, President Donald J. Trump signed the Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West, citing the “diminished…ability” of America’s infrastructure “to deliver water and power in an efficient, cost‑effective way.” To that end, the Memorandum directed the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to work together to complete the consultation process in a timely manner.

    The Biological Assessment supports Reclamation’s consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It was prepared consistent with the timeline outlined in the Presidential Memorandum. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service are expected to issue final biological opinions within 135 days.

    “It has been 10 years since the biological opinions on the coordinated long-term operation of the CVP and SWP were issued. Since then, we’ve experienced extreme drought and invested significant resources to advance the science of the Central Valley and the Delta in coordination with our state and federal partner agencies and stakeholders. The result of our investments is an improved understanding of the system,” said Mid-Pacific Regional Director Ernest Conant. “By expanding our toolkit with the best science and using what we know today, new biological opinions will allow us to maximize water and power benefits while supporting endangered fish populations.”

    The Biological Assessment analyzes potential effects of the proposed action on federally listed endangered and threatened species and critical habitat for these species. The proposed action incorporates the best available science into the operation of the CVP and SWP. Proposed actions outlined in the document include temperature management at Shasta Dam, fall habitat and salinity measures in the Delta, and entrainment management related to water exports. Together, these proposed actions aim to give water operators more flexibility, maximize water supply delivery and optimize power generation consistent with applicable laws.

    The Biological Assessment is available here.

  • The Rest of the Story about Groundwater

    When it comes to groundwater in the Central Valley, there have been many articles lately telling part of the story but very few telling the whole story. Those articles criticize communities and farmers for pumping groundwater to supply water to their residents and to irrigate their farms. Most of the articles place the blame for groundwater pumping squarely on the shoulders of farmers and urban water users. This is only part of the story. Urban and rural communities have increased their pumping of groundwater due to 25+ years of federal and state policies that have curtailed surface water deliveries. The management of the water system has caused water users to turn more often to groundwater to compensate for the surface water shortages. And, the government is failing to operate the system as it was originally intended. Predictably, Westlands has a challenge to get the media to tell the whole story, but we will continue our efforts. We will tell the whole story about groundwater and the failure of government to develop policies that meet the water supply and environmental objectives. When we explain the current problem, we will talk about the history of the Central Valley Project (CVP), the failure of government policies, and the ramifications of those failed policies. Here’s the rest of the story. Back in the 1930’s, both Congress and California State government recognized the need to develop the CVP to increase surface water supply to serve a “multitude” of purposes, including to remediate groundwater overdraft.

    “Initial features of the project were built primarily to protect the Central Valley from crippling water shortages and menacing floods, but the CVP also improves Sacramento River navigation, supplies domestic and industrial water, generates electric power, conserves fish and wildlife, creates opportunities for recreation, and enhances water quality.” https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvp/about-cvp.html Despite the original purposes, regulatory decisions along the way have systematically curtailed surface water deliveries and harmed those who built their farms and businesses around the assurances provided by the government through the construction of the CVP. The graph below clearly illustrates the correlation between the curtailment of surface water supplies and the inevitable increased reliance on groundwater.

    More Groundwater Has Been Used in Recent Years to Offset Lost Surface Water Supplies 

    The story doesn’t end with government failing to deliver adequate quantities of surface water. Another part of the story that is often left out of news articles is the government’s rationale for withholding water supply. For decades, government policies focused on CVP pumping as the primary cause of the decline of fish populations. Now the rest of the story is being told. Federal and state officials, as well as academic experts, now recognize the many factors that are causing the decline in the fish population. With that major admission, Westlands and others are requesting that government fulfill its CVP obligations by restoring the delivery of surface water to the farms and communities that depend on CVP water. There is a tremendous amount of fresh water that could be delivered to communities, without causing the decline of fish populations, but instead is left to flow to the ocean. Our Water Supply Update shows that California sent almost 260 billion gallons of water out to the ocean in May – some of which could have been pumped for people, cities, and farms and other areas to replenish the state’s aquifers. As the debate over groundwater continues, Westlands will continue to tell the rest of the story and confront misinformation and incomplete explanations of water supply issues that currently serve as the basis for failed federal and state policies.

  • California State Board Of Food And Agriculture To Hear Updates On Current Water Conditions

    Sacramento, Calif., (April 4, 2018) – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates by federal and state officials on current water conditions and the outlook for this summer at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814. In addition to an update on California’s water situation, the board will hear perspective from South Africa on the impending ‘Day Zero’ in Cape Town – where drinking water supplies could run out in the coming months.

    “Over the last two years I’ve had the opportunity to visit several countries impacted by drought as well as limited groundwater supplies,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “What sets California apart, is our forward thinking approach to long term challenges and a commitment by farmers and ranchers to be part of the solution. Water availability is critical to all sectors of our economy, including cities, agriculture and the environment.”

    Invited speakers include: Region Director David Murillo, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region, Director Karla Nemeth, California Department of Water Resources; Erik Ekdahl, State Water Resources Control Board; Ronald Samuelian, Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group; Jason Pucheu, Maricopa Orchards; and Christina Babbitt, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).

    The board will also hear presentations by Jeremy Gorelick (USAID Program/South Africa) and Anton Rabe (HORTGRO) via skype discussing ‘Day Zero’.

    In addition, the board will hear an update on sustainable groundwater management.  Representative from Maricopa Orchards and Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group will provide perspective on groundwater challenges from a critical over drafted groundwater basin.

    “While recent weather conditions have been beneficial, we are still below average on statewide snowpack,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Hearing from federal and state water officials on our water outlook is critical to growers not just in the Central Valley, but throughout the state as we plan for the next water year.”

    The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

    All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.

    Follow the board on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard

  • CE works with CDFA to Help Hmong Farmers Conserve Water and Reduce Emissions

    Parlier, Calif., (January 15, 2018) – California farmers Fong Tchieng and Vang C. Thao have a lot in common. They both have farming operations in the Central Valley. They both belong to the state’s vibrant – and growing – Hmong farming community. And most importantly, they have both partnered with state agencies to save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Funded through California’s Cap-and-Trade Program and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program, or SWEEP, has helped both these growers conserve water and reduce emissions by installing water and energy saving technologies.

    Both Mr. Tchieng and Mr. Thao have used SWEEP dollars to invest in technologies like energy efficient pumps, drip irrigation systems and flow meters. According to the growers, these investments have helped them save water and reduce energy costs.

    “This is a big upgrade compared to what we had,” said Kong Thao, who helps his father run their 34-acre farm in Fresno, Calif. “With the water system that we have now, we’re finally at a point where we can relax a little and be able to do this for many years to come.”

    Like other growers, California Hmong farmers have also struggled with the prolonged effects of the State’s historic drought. According to a 2016 survey conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), 52 separate operations said the drought had affected their farm.  The survey also found that 22 percent of growers said their wells had dried up, and 51 percent reported a decreased water flow.

    But unlike larger growers, many Hmong farmers do not always have the resources or necessary information to get help. To help bridge this gap, CDFA has partnered with UCCE to assist farmers in the SWEEP application process.

    “California’s Hmong community plays an integral role in this state’s agricultural bounty,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “We need to continue working with our partners to make sure that SWEEP dollars are available for all those who qualify, regardless of their size or resources.”

    Since its inception in 2014, SWEEP has extended funding to 587 projects, totaling more than $62 million.  To learn more about SWEEP, please visit: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep/.  You can also click here to see more videos on additional SWEEP awardees.

    The article and video are from the CDFA Planting Seeds Bloghttps://plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov/wordpress/?p=14436.

     

  • Trends We’re Watching In 2018: Experts Weigh In On Water, GM, Science Communication And More

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 10, 2018) – As we settle into 2018, it’s natural to wonder what the New Year may bring. There have been dozens of “trend pieces” discussing what’s in store. In this wrap, we consider possible 2018 trends in water, the GM debate, science communication, and food and nutrition.

    Water: After one of the driest Decembers on record, many Californians continue to worry about water supply. I turned to UC ANR water expert Faith Kearns. Faith is a scientist and communicator at the California Institute for Water Resources, a UC ANR-based “think-tank” that integrates California’s research, extension, and education programs to develop research-based solutions to water resource challenges. Faith writes about water issues for a number of publications, including UC’s Confluence blog. She was recently quoted in a Rolling Stone article about California’s “climate emergency,” penned by meteorologist/writer Eric Holthaus.

    Faith told me this: “Water quantity and human use tend to be the dominant lenses that we use to talk about water in California, but they’re not the only thing we need to be paying attention to. For example, water quality issues loom equally as large, and are of course related. But, even beyond that, there are also many non-use oriented ways that water impacts our lives – through recreation, aesthetics, and culture, just to name a few. A trend that I hope to see in 2018 is a broadening of the conversation on water, and an expansion of the kinds of knowledge that are brought to bear on water issues.”

    Editor’s note: The quality of American drinking water continues to be a point of local and national concern; it will undoubtedly be an important topic in the 2018 midterm elections in certain congressional districts. Learn more about this vital public health and social justice issue by visiting the National Drinking Water Alliance website (NDWA). NDWA is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and coordinated by UC ANR’s Nutrition Policy Institute.

    The debate over genetically modified food: Entering a new era?

    UC Davis associate professor and plant pathologist Neil McRoberts – who was recently named co-leader of UC ANR’s Strategic Initiative in Sustainable Food Systems – shared his ideas about where we might be headed in terms of framing the GM discussion.
    “…The GM debate is entering a new era with the growing use of gene editing – CRSPR-Cas9 – technology. Interestingly, this time around the ethics and socio-economics debate seems to be keeping pace with the science, as witnessed by the latest issue of the Journal of Responsible Innovation, which focuses on gene drive technologies and their uses. The special issue grew out of a workshop hosted at NCSU last year. The use of CRSPR has re-opened debates about how genetic modification should be regulated and labeled.”

    Editor’s note: You can learn more about Neil’s work here. He recently wrote a guest blog post for UC Food Observer about the importance of cash crops to smallholder farmers in Uganda and Malaysia. For more about the GM debate, read the text of Mark Lynas’ speech to the Oxford Farming Conference, in which he tries to “map out the contours of a potential peace treaty” between GM proponents and the technology’s opponents. h/t Nathanael Johnson.

    Will 2018 usher in an era of more civil communication around science-based topics?

    *It depends on us.

    Across the board, our public discourse took a dive in 2017 … and that’s a shame. Here’s to a New Year … and resolving to do a better job at communicating with clarity, integrity and with less judgment. The advancement of science (and perhaps the preservation of our sanity) depend upon it.

    I loved this piece by Tamar Haspel, which recently appeared in the Washington Post and specifically addresses science communication and agriculture/food issues. Shorter: If we want to persuade people, we have to be respectful. She writes:

    “Rudeness can increase polarization and entrench disagreements even further. Nasty begets nasty; it’s regression toward the mean …”

    As both a scientist and a communicator, UC ANR’s Faith Kearns also informed my thinking on where the communications trend line ought to go for 2018, telling me that:

    “One of the bigger challenges, and opportunities, facing the science communication community is how to really push ourselves to better incorporate more perspectives from the social sciences and humanities. This is particularly true on issues like food, agriculture, and the environment where so much of what is truly challenging is related to human behavior, decision-making, and psychology. It’s not just a matter of using research on science communication to inform practice, but also of responsibly integrating different forms of knowledge into communication efforts.”

    Food and nutrition trends

    There are an overwhelming number of food trend pieces out right now. The Hartman Group is a good account to follow to stay apprised of food trends throughout the year. Their Year in Review blog post is definitely worth a read. It identifies some trends from last year that will likely carry forward, including consumer demands for transparency, “conscious” consumerism, customized health and wellness, and the ways in which snacking is disrupting food culture. Bonus: you can access some of Hartman’s industry reports via links included in the blog post.

    For a largely culinary perspective of 2018 trends, check out the BBC’s Good Food piece. Nationally-known dietitian Christy Brissette has written an interesting piece about nutrition trends (think algae, Stevia, chicory root fiber and eating for “Diabetes 3” – aka Alzheimer’s).

    And if you’re having trouble keeping that New Year’s resolution to exercise more, consider reading this piece, which reports on a study indicating that exercise alters our microbiome – which could improve our health and metabolism. Gretchen Reynolds for the New York Times.

     

  • Westlands Water District – 2017: A Productive Year

    Fresno, Calif., (January 5, 2018) – As the year draws to an end, we take this opportunity to reflect on the many contributions of Westlands’ growers and the unique challenges faced in a year of an abundant water supply. Our goal was to seek opportunities to reinforce needed improvements to the current operation of the Central Valley Project by countering inaccurate information by using facts.

    In December 2016, Congress successfully passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Throughout early 2017, opponents of the legislation, as they usually do, attempted to mislead the public about the e ects the WIIN Act would have on water supply and the environment. But Westlands and other groups successfully countered those falsehoods as the bill made its way through the legislative process and on to the President’s desk for signature. The enactment of the WIIN Act marked the rst time in years that the trend of punitive and restrictive water laws was reversed. But, there is more work to do.

    In early spring, after the initial CVP water allocation announcement was
    made over a month late, we used that opportunity to demonstrate the need for further reform of the water supply system. Information included the negative rami cations of a late water allocation, which limits farmers’ ability to make planting, labor, and other operational decisions. Our e orts reminded policymakers of the state’s commitment of “coequal goals” for water supply reliability and Delta protection. While the initial 65 percent allocation was thankfully increased a month later to 100 percent, it was too late in the planting season to allow farmers to utilize their first full allocation in eleven years. We are hopeful the Bureau of Reclamation’s 2018 announcement is timely.

    As we moved into summer, we released The Implications of Agricultural Water for the Central Valley, detailing the significant contributions made by agriculture and defined the inextricable correlation between the success of agricultural production with the economic well-being of the entire Central Valley. This report by Dr. Michael Shires provided factual data and context that supported our claim that there is no viable industry available to replace economic activity from agriculture, another example of the need to evaluate and improve current processes when making water supply decisions.

    We reinforced the role of agriculture as an integral part of the California’s growing food and tourism culture and developed educational materials that emphasized the major contribution of Westlands’ agricultural production to the state and the nation, and the necessity of a more reliable water supply.

    Our social media audience has more than doubled since January, allowing us to reach an expanded audience as we educate the public on issues such as water supply, water availability, agricultural economics and food security. This year, Westlands Water District became the most “Followed” and “Liked” water agency in the State of California.

    As 2017 comes to a close, we are excited to cap o the year with the successful launch of the Westlands Farmers Charitable Fund in partnership with the Central Valley Community Foundation. We look forward to the success of this collaborative e ort and anticipate the Fund will serve as an e ective clearinghouse to make measurable improvements to the quality of life for families, students, and organizations right here in our community.

    While we have made progress in educating the public and policymakers about farming and water supply challenges, there is more work to be done. We will carry these e orts into 2018 as we remain committed to securing a reliable water supply for the Central Valley.

    Johnny Amaral, Deputy General Manager of External A airs Westlands Water District

  • Chowchilla Water District and Fresno Irrigation District Rejoin Friant Water Authority

    Lindsay, Calif., (December 28, 2017) – During their December meetings the Board of Directors of the Chowchilla Water District (CWD) and Fresno Irrigation Districts (FID) voted unanimously to become full General Members of the Friant Water Authority (FWA). It is expected that the FWA Board will approve the requests during its first meeting in 2018.

    The actions of the two District Boards mark the end of the process to fully rejoin the Friant Water Authority. FID has been a Trial Member since March 2017 and CWD has been an Associate Member since July 2017.   By becoming General Members, both Districts will have a voting seat on the FWA Board of Directors.

    Kent Stephens, Chairman of FWA and President of Kern-Tulare Water District commented, “It is exciting to see past members of FWA deciding to return. It has been a priority of the FWA board to build a team that can effectively represent the member agencies and help ensure the Friant Division and surrounding areas has a reliable water supply now and in the future. Both CWD and FID have had the opportunity to see first-hand how the new FWA operates, its commitment to its customers, and its desire to become a leader in water issues in the San Joaquin Valley.”

    Kole Upton, current President of the Chowchilla WD, served as FWUA’s Chairman from 1998 to 2008, and has been CWD’s representative on the Board since July added, “Chowchilla Water District voted unanimously at its monthly meeting to rejoin Friant Water Authority as a regular General Member effective 1/1/2018. This action is a direct reflection of the vast improvement in the Friant staff, and Friant’s re-establishing itself at THE ORGANIZATION that represents the water interests of the East San Joaquin Valley.”

    George Porter, representing the Fresno Irrigation District, had this to say about becoming a General Member, “Fresno Irrigation District’s decision to return to the Friant Water Authority is a direct reflection of the major reorganization and new management changes made in the past two years. FID has been impressed with the new organization and the leadership under their new CEO, in addressing global issues impacting Friant water supplies and developing new opportunities for future water supplies. In addition, FID will benefit by being represented by a larger organization such as FWA on local, state, and federal issues.”

    The Chowchilla Water District serves approximately 85,000 acres situated in southern Merced County and northern Madera County on the eastside of the San Joaquin Valley. The District serves over 400 water users, with an average farm size of about 162 acres. The Fresno Irrigation District serves approximately 247,000 acres, and over 4,000 water users. Crops in both districts include, grapes, citrus, almonds, alfalfa, and wheat.

    Jason Phillips, CEO of the FWA, added his insight. “Having both Chowchilla and Fresno back as full General Members is an important step in strengthening and diversifying the voice of the Friant Water Authority. Both Districts have long played a critical role in water issues on the Eastside, and having them back as General Members will provide tremendous value both to the board and the entire Friant Division.”

    The membership of FWA is now comprised of 15 members, including: Arvin-Edison Water Storage District, Chowchilla Water District, City of Fresno, Fresno Irrigation District, Hills Valley Irrigation District, Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District, Kern-Tulare Water District, Lindmore Irrigation District, Lindsay-Strathmore Irrigation District, Madera Irrigation District, Orange Cove Irrigation District, Porterville Irrigation District, Saucelito Irrigation District, Terra Bella Irrigation District, and Tulare Irrigation District.

  • Bringing Space Technology to Water Needs in California Vineyards

    Beltsville, Maryland, (December 18, 2017) – ARS scientists are saving water in California’s vineyards by using satellite data and computer models to better manage water resources.

    Bill Kustas and Martha Anderson are fine-tuning computer models at the ARS Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, to help vineyard managers determine how much water to apply and when to apply it. The models tap into satellite data that measure land surface temperature providing information about soil and vine moisture levels and rates of water use or “evapotranspiration.”

    ARS hydrologist Bill Kustas measures grapevine canopy width at a California vineyard to help evaluate satellite data used in models of vine water use.

    Winemakers want grapes of uniform quality, and that can be a challenge with vineyards that have different soils and climatic conditions across thousands of acres. Even a single vineyard can have a variety of irrigation needs, according to Kustas, an ARS hydrologist.

    The ARS model uses satellite measurements of land surface temperature in a unique way by separating out the vine canopy from the soil surface temperatures. This gives the model greater precision and enables researchers to better evaluate vine stress, says Kustas.

    Known as precision agriculture, the approach is helping the E. & J. Gallo Winery cut water use by allowing the grower to identify specific vineyard areas that are under stress and need irrigation. Gallo owns and operates 25,000 acres of vineyards in California and contracts with grape producers operating another 200,000 acres. The results also will be shared with other vineyard operators, offering the potential to save water across more than a million acres of vineyards in California.

    With water supplies critical in California, the state’s nut and fruit orchard operators are also likely to benefit from these efforts, Kustas says.

    Over the next two years, the ARS researchers plan to develop a daily digital map of evapotranspiration in California’s Central Valley, which includes some of the world’s most productive agricultural lands, at a resolution that will give growers a firm grasp of conditions in specific areas within their fields.

    You can read more about this research in the December 2017 issue of AgResearch magazine.

    For more information contact Dennis O’Brien, ARS Office of Communications.

  • State Agencies to Host Groundwater Recharge Forum on November 8th in Sacramento

    Sacamento, Calif., (October 9, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), in collaboration with California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and other state entities, are hosting a Public Forum on Managed Groundwater Recharge to Support Sustainable Water Management. This all-day event will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center on November 8th 2017 and bring together a variety of speakers to address recharge opportunities and issues.

    Groundwater recharge is an important topic for California as the state continues to recover from an historic drought that caused increased reliance on groundwater basins – resulting in overdraft, failed private domestic wells and impacts to environmental quality.

    In June 2017, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture sent a letter to CDFA Secretary Karen Ross encouraging the convening of a forum to, “inform long term state policies related to ground water recharge.” California’s farm and ranching communities are important partners in helping to implement recharge efforts, but many barriers in federal/state policy as well as infrastructure challenges limit wide scale recharge opportunities.

    This forum will bring together water authorities, agricultural organizations, regulators and other stakeholders to address groundwater recharge opportunities and associated policies.

    Registration Information