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<br />'. <br /> <br />001366 <br /> <br />In management of the total system, it must be kept in mind that surface <br />diversions for irrigation are the primary means of recharging the <br />groundwater aquifer. Surface water diversions should be made to the <br />greatest extent possible during periods of high flows. Water must <br />be put in the bank during wet years if it is to be available during <br />dry years. <br /> <br />It is true that the groundwater aquifer is a reservoir, but it performs <br />the function of a reservoir only if operated as one. Present operat- <br />ing procedures are keeping the groundwater reservoirs full and over- <br />flowing. We do not operate a surface water reservoir this way. <br />Rather, we use the water during dry periods and refill the reservoir <br />during ttmes of excess. We need to provide the legal machinery for <br />managing groundwater reservoirs the same way or we will never obtain <br />the potential benefits which our water resources have to offer. <br /> <br />\ <br />