General

The High Plains States Groundwater Demonstration Program studied the potential for artificial groundwater recharge in the 17 Western States and demonstrate artificial recharge technologies under a variety of hydrogeologic conditions. Demonstration sites are located in areas having a high probability of physical, chemical and economic feasibility for recharge.

The High Plains States Groundwater Demonstration Program Act of 1983 (Public Law [P.L.] 98434) was enacted Sept. 28, 1984. Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey and Environmental Protection Agency carried out the High Plains States Groundwater Demonstration Program cooperatively.

Although not specified in the authorizing legislation, coordination has also been carried out with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state fish and game agencies to assure that any adverse impacts to fish and wildlife resources will be mitigated and that opportunities to enhance wetlands and wildlife resources are developed, where practical, as part of the groundwater recharge demonstration projects.

Plan

Beginning in the 1980s the alarming rate of groundwater depletion gained national attention, along with the need to gather data and to test groundwater recharge technology.

Congress called upon the Bureau of Reclamation to diverge from its usual program of developing surface water for agricultural, industrial, and municipal purposes and enter into the business of testing and developing groundwater resources.

The High Plains States Groundwater Demonstration Program Act of 1983 gave Reclamation oversight of the program to test recharge technologies in a variety of geologic and hydrologic environments.

Overview

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History

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Construction

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Other

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