The Economic factors of Ground Water Recharge Projects

by Stephen W. Cowdin, California Dep of Water Resources, United States,
Helen J. Peters, California Dep of Water Resources, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Abstract:

As a result of the Water Conservation and Water Quality Bond Law of 1986, the State of California is now providing low interest loans to local water agencies to finance ground water recharge projects. Of critical importance to the benefit/cost analysis is the proper indentification and measurement of benefits and costs that should be included. Allowable benefits include water supply, lift, water quality, flood control, and basin protection from sea water intrusion. Applicable costs may include capital, replacement, water purchase and operating costs. If water supply is a proposed project benefit, then extraction costs must also be included. Benefits and costs are discounted over a fifty year period. The legislation also requires that additional priority be given to (1) agencies whose projects are located in overdrafted ground water basins, (2) projects of critical need, (3) projects with the greatest engineering and hydrogeologic feasibility, and (4) agencies with water management plans.

Subject Headings: Water quality | Water conservation | Water policy | Groundwater quality | Economic factors | Benefit cost ratios | Water supply | California | United States

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