Recharge

A small pond surrounded by dry grassland under a blue sky with clouds.

Along the South Platte River and its tributary streams lies an alluvial or “hydraulically connected” shallow aquifer. Well pumping depletes the aquifer, while seepage from irrigation, canal diversions, and precipitation events replenishes the alluvial aquifer.

CCWCD started diverting excess water from the South Platte River using recharge ponds in the early 1980s. Recharge replenishes the aquifer from the pumping of CCWCD member wells. Well pumping creates a deficit in the aquifer during parts of the year, and recharge replaces some of that deficit. The majority of Central’s members pump alluvial groundwater for crop irrigation.

Aerial view of a large pond surrounded by fields and farmland under a clear sky.

Central cooperates with landowners to coordinate recharge sites on their property. Central has constructed wells on the bank of the South Platte River to pump water to nearby recharge sites. Conditions for a new recharge site must meet the basic requirements of good soil permeability and defined distances from the river.

The construction of recharge sites involves building conveyance structures from a surface canal to the site. The construction includes a measuring device to account for the volume of water continuously diverted into the pond. Annual costs are minimal, involving mowing shallow-rooted grasses two to three times yearly, applying herbicides for weed control, and routinely removing silt from the bottom of the ponds as needed. Periodic maintenance of the data collection equipment is also required.

Central and its subdistricts operate 45 recharge projects through 13 ditch companies. Presenting a speedy, economical means of keeping a water supply, recharging the South Platte alluvial aquifer. For much of the year, these ponds remain dry. In times of free river or when certain water rights are in priority, you will see them full of water.

Ditches

Agreements with ditch companies must also be negotiated to make the recharge site successful. Surface supplies from the South Platte River are diverted using existing canals and ditches.