§390g–1 Phase I of Groundwater Recharge Demonstration Program

Summary

The Bureau must make a detailed plan of demonstration projects to test whether different groundwater recharge methods work in the varied geology and water conditions of the High Plains and other Reclamation Act States. The Bureau will work with the High Plains States, other Reclamation Act States, and federal agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey. The plan must use available state and local data and help. State or local technical help can count as in‑kind contribution but is not paid. The plan must pick at least 12 sites in the High Plains States and at least 9 sites in other Reclamation Act States. Sites must have falling water tables, available surface water, and a strong chance of physical, chemical, and economic success. The plan must show how recharge methods and water sources would be used, what physical work is needed, how replacement water systems would operate, how monitoring would be done, what economic, legal, intergovernmental, and environmental issues might arise, and what laws or actions may be needed for Phase II. The Bureau must also recommend which projects should be built and run in Phase II. Within six months after Congress funds Phase I, the Secretary must pick projects for further planning and start that planning.