this post was submitted on 17 Jun 2023
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Some places the aquifer can be recharged relatively quickly. The problem is a lot of the major aquifers that are being depleted recharge on geological timeframes.
At natural rates, yes, though most of those are in very arid regions. But with human intervention some may recharge faster. In California there is a lot of research being done on this topic because we’ve already developed most of the reservoirs that were economical. Pumping water into farm fields at times when it won’t harm things, and pumping water into areas of sandy soil that connect to aquifers can greatly increase the amount of water that enters the ground instead of being channeled into rivers and the ocean.
Yeah, Newsom fast tracked some soak areas in like 5 counties through the Central Valley. It's something at least. Seems like it would make a hell of a bigger difference to only grow water efficient crops in the area.
I think that may start to happen but it’s going to be gradual. That said I have no problem with irrigation if it’s from well managed, sustainable supplies of water and it’s produces enough food to justify its use. I think we’re moving in that direction though slower than I’d prefer.
Along those lines, I'm really curious why they haven't installed floating solar down the aquaducts. Seems like it would be cheap and efficient.
I’m not familiar with this technology but it could be worth looking into! I guess the question is whether the reduction evaporation and land cost makes up for what I assume will be more expensive to install and maintain.