SHALLOW AQUIFER

RECHARGE PROJECT

This project designed and installed a series of ponds to use winter river flows to supplement the natural recharge of the Walla Walla Basin shallow aquifer, rejuvenate wetlands in nearby spring branches, restore shallow wells in the immediate vicinity of the ponds, and potentially increase the groundwater base flow return to the mainstem Walla Walla River.

(Pictured above: Jon Brough (left), HBDIC's District Manager &

Bob Bower (right), WWBWC's Hydrologist Recharge site, April 7, 2005)

The Hudson Bay Irrigation District Improvement Company (HBDIC) developed a preliminary concept and located a site. WWBWC led the preparation of the OWRD recharge permit application, conducted public outreach and education activities, coordinated and began implementation of the monitoring program, and provided project management and general oversight.

Retired NRCS engineer Bernie Hewes was hired to complete the measuring structure, turnout, and pond designs. Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc. was hired to complete a hydrogeologic assessment focusing on suprabasalt sediments, the target for shallow aquifer recharge, and is subdivided into sections describing regional geology and hydrogeology, test site hydrogeology, surface water in the test site (including springs), and groundwater and surface water quality.                               Click on above photo to enlarge

Bob Bower, Staff Hydrologist, WWBWC, was the lead author on the ASR Testing Limited License application to OWRD. Phil Richerson (ODEQ - Groundwater Division) and Tom Darnell, (OSU Extension Service - Milton-Freewater) assisted Bob in developing a water quality surface and groundwater monitoring plan for the project's operation. The WWBWC Hydrologist utilized existing STORET data, existing water quality reports supplemented with on-site water quality measurements to refine the water quality monitoring plan. This includes pre-project assessment of source water conditions. The onsite monitoring provided baseline information on background conditions so that the effects of the proposed recharge can be differentiated from other environmental factors.

HBDIC provided excavation equipment and personnel for 'test digs" at the project site to assess geologic and structural conditions, oversight and assistance in the construction design, operation protocols for the ponds, and field assistance for the survey work. The application for Limited License was approved on February 18, 2004. This was a 'first of its kind' type of project for OWRD and ODEQ.

Funding for construction work was secured from OWEB and the Walla Walla Watershed Alliance. Construction of the turnout and three recharge pits was completed. The site was up and running for a few weeks in early spring of 2004. The site ran again November 2004 to May 2005, and despite the drought, more of the permitted recharge water right was used. The data is showing positive results. Many anecdotal reports of wells improving have come in. An historic spring branch has re-emerged and WWBWC staff are working with landowners to return it to its former creek bed. Expansion of the site is being proposed for 2006.

The annual report to OWRD for 2004-2005 operation:
Aquifer Recharge 2005 Annual Report (PDF format, 4.3 MB).

The annual report to OWRD for 2003-2004 operation:
Aquifer Recharge 2004 Annual Report (PDF, 6.9 MB)

Tracking downgradient effects of the HBDIC Recharge Project on Johnson Creek, Umapine Oregon. Collaborative Whitman College and WWBWC Project.  

GROUND AND SURFACE WATER IMPACTS ON SPRING FORMATION IN THE WALLA WALLA VALLEY, OREGON (2007)

      Senior Thesis by Ari van Schilfgaarde

Environmental and Water Resources Institute, 2001, Standard guidelines for artificial recharge of ground water: Reston, VA, American Society of Civil Engineers, 106 p.