Alta Irrigation District expands groundwater recharge projects

Alta Irrigation District has made two of its largest land purchases in five decades as part of an expanded effort to improve groundwater sustainability, the San Joaquin Valley Sun reports. 

The district recently acquired 80 acres to develop the London West Pond recharge basin near Avenue 384 and Road 56. This follows a 40-acre purchase last year for the Traver North Basin project — the district’s largest land acquisition in 50 years at the time. 

According to the report, both basins will enhance Alta’s ability to divert surface water during wet periods and store it for dry years, a key strategy for compliance with California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The added capacity is expected to support both local growers and communities reliant on groundwater for drinking water. 

“We are excited to give our growers greater access to water, while also making strides toward groundwater sustainability,” said Chad Wegley, general manager of Alta Irrigation District. 

Construction on the London West Pond is slated to begin in 2026 with an estimated cost of $8.5 million, while Traver North Basin is scheduled to break ground later this year.