Why state must expand its groundwater storage

Imagine something that could capture and control all Sierra snowpack water, prevent overflowing dams and even help salmon. This “magic” science exists: It is called groundwater recharge, and it costs a fraction of building dams.

As a geologist’s son, I would be remiss to not suggest expanding groundwater storage. Recharge even addresses the growing Central Valley water table crisis and the sinking California aqueduct.

Water is finite. Banking an inconsistent Sierra snowpack saves more for drier years as well as supports natural river flows, salmon runs, etc. Transporting water to areas with the right geology (these exist) so it percolates down to the water table is a system that farmers, environmentalists and urban users could all support. Cyrus Merrill San Jose