YCFC&WCD Groundwater Recharge

Since 2016, the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has planned to divert excess winter storm flows from Cache Creek into the District's 160-mile unlined canal system. Because the canals are unlined, water that is diverted into the canals contributes directly to the groundwater aquifer. So far, over 20,000 AF of water has been recharged into the aquifer.

In September 2023, DWR announced their final funding recommendation for the SGMA Implementation Grant, awarding the YCFC&WCD Winter Water Recharge Program $2.6 million for continued implementation. This funding will allow the District to:

Prepare and apply for a long-term winter water right (permit) from the State Water Resources Control Board to divert excess winter flows from Cache Creek (this includes a water availability analysis and CEQA documentation).
Implement a pilot project for on-farm recharge to properties in the District’s service area utilizing the District’s temporary permit.
Install four automated gates on the District’s Hungry Hollow Canal to assist with and optimize the conveyance of excess winter flows through the canal system safely and efficiently for groundwater recharge.

In the coming years, the project hopes to expand by spreading some of the water onto fields and idle land with the help of willing farmers and landowners. If you are interested in participating, please contact us!