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Yakima Basin Integrated Plan
Groundwater Research
Grant Information

Konnowac Pass Aquifer Storage and Recovery Feasibility Study

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Date published: May 3, 2024

Authors: Geosyntec Consultants and Central Washington University

Reference:

Geosyntec Consultants and Central Washington University. “Konnowac Pass Aquifer Storage and Recovery Feasibility Study.” Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, Groundwater Storage Subcommittee, 3 May 2024.

Abstract:

The primary goals of this project were to evaluate the groundwater storage potential for artificial recharge to the Wanapum Aquifer in the Columbia River Basalts and to identify the feasibility of a large-scale ASR program that could stabilize groundwater levels while also providing access to underground storage that could improve water supply reliability. The Study Area referred to in this report is centered around the Roza Irrigation District, and generally includes the Moxee Valley and the Lower Yakima Valley from Yakima to near Benton City. The Wanapum Aquifer in this area is primarily used for irrigation, and it provides relief to agricultural irrigation when deliveries from surface water sources are limited during state-declared droughts.

This report specifically evaluates MAR via Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) by injecting surface water to the Wanapum Aquifer in the Roza Irrigation District. One of the original goals of this project was to conduct a pumping test in an existing well to estimate site-specific aquifer properties in the Wanapum Aquifer. However, due to several failed attempts to find a willing well owner to participate in the study, and other complications in collecting field data, we (Geosyntec and CWU) diverted the field effort component into assessing the storage capacity of the Wanapum Aquifer with an analytical model using published aquifer data.

Contact person/agency: Yakima Basin Integrated Plan (YBIP)

File Format: pdf

Associated Data:

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