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2015, Aug. 20 - Groundwater Recharge On East Side Soils Of The Salinas Valley

Miscellaneous Monterey and San Luis Obispo County Documents and Reports

Discussion of the historically low groundwater levels in the Salinas Valley, noting that the shallower wells have become unreliable. As the groundwater levels drop below sea level, the seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers will worsen. Because of the fast-declining groundwater levels on the east side of the Salinas Valley, the potential for seawater moving inland increases. Enhancing recharge in these areas would be beneficial in reducing seawater intrusion while lowering flood risk and erosion damage. The article reviews potential strategies to increase infiltration of rainwater during winter storms thereby recharging the underlying aquifer.