January 19, 2010
Contact: Frankie Vigil
frankie@o-apr.com
(775) 829-2810
Water Recharge Program Promotes Healthy Aquifers
Results show improved water resources and water quality
(RENO, Nev.) – Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) continues its annual groundwater recharge program this year. The program, otherwise known as Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR), pipes treated surface water down into existing wells to both enhance the water resource and improve the water quality at well sites.
During this recharge season, more than six million gallons per day are injected into 17 different well sites across the Truckee Meadows.
“We use the aquifers as underground storage tanks,” Paul Miller, TMWA manager of operations and water quality said. “This water stays in the area surrounding the well until it is pumped out for peak summer supply and helps to ensure our high-quality water is available for the community throughout the driest months.”
The process occurs during months when the demand for water is low. In the winter, water use drops to one-fourth of the average summer usage. The stored water can then be accessed during drought periods, if necessary.
Since TMWA began recharging local aquifers in 1993, ASR has successfully injected nearly 22,000 acre-feet of water. The program is evaluated on an annual basis and modified as needed to provide maximum benefit to the aquifer, water quality and drought storage.
For the most recent Water Resource Plan and responsible water use tips, visit www.tmh2o.com.
Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit water utility, overseen by elected officials from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA employs a highly skilled team who ensure the treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water around the clock for more than 330,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.
