Ground Water Management: Los Angeles Coastal Plan

Welsh, James L.; ,

Ground Water Management: Los Angeles Coastal Plan

by James L. Welsh, Bookman-Edmonston Engineering Inc, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Abstract:

In the early 1950s sea water intrusion became a serious problem and led to adjudication of the ground waters and the construction of an injection barrier to sea water intrusion. The general managment plan for the Central and West Basins was developed for water quantity and quality which included exchanges of water rights and artificial recharge of ground water. Artificial recharge takes place in the San Gabriel River channel and by spreading in the 800 acres of of offstream grounds along the San Gabriel River and the Rio Hondo. Coastal fresh water barrirs are maintained by injection of fresh water along the western side of the county to control sea water intrusion, permitting users in the western areas to continue to rely on ground water pumping. Unique institutional arrangements include in-lieu recharge credits for the entity pumping less than its right, exchange of rights, overpumping during an emergency, and less expensive imported water for agencies with sufficient pumping capacity to withstand interruptions. Water quality is monitored and coordinated efforts are made to protect the waters in the basin from contamination and to correct problems as they arise.

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