Economics of Ground-Water Recharge

Benefits and alternatives to artificial recharge are summarized, cost components are reviewed, and costs of selected projects are presented. The value of water is reviewed and the direct and indirect benefits of recharging are considered. Institutional and financial arrangements for artificial recharge projects are studied. Particular attention is given to California’s Water Replenishment District Act and to the use of the replenishment assessment as a means for financing projects. Some data on costs of water wells and pumping ground water are presented because extraction of ground water is a part of the total recharge cost. Generalized cost estimates of various items involved in recharge projects are tabulated, including costs of actual projects in California and Illinois. Because of the variability of size, purpose, and method of operation, together with a wide range in land and water costs, no concise summary of recharge costs is possible.