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The demonstration projects did not directly address watershed interactions or prove the <br />feasibility of groundwater recharge for large -scale aquifer restoration. Still, the recharge <br />approach and conditions evaluated could have broad ranging implications for watershed <br />planning. Recharge of regional aquifer systems (e.g., the High Plains Aquifer) would <br />require long -term comprehensive planning and may depend on large -scale conjunctive use <br />strategies. Restoring large aquifer systems would require extensive coordination across <br />physical and jurisdictional boundaries. <br />Watershed planning has received more attention in recent years with increased awareness <br />of potential impacts and water resource limitations. Effective watershed planning should <br />acknowledge property rights and work within existing regulations to evaluate conditions <br />and develop improved strategies to meet water use needs while protecting and sustaining <br />water resources. This may involve the integration of water conservation, water reuse, and <br />water quality protection within the inherent hydrologic limitations. <br />Current Recharge Opportunities <br />The program objectives included an interpretation of the results and findings to identify <br />opportunities to apply recharge in the Western States and to evaluate the feasibility of <br />integrating recharge into Reclamation water management programs. Prominent recharge <br />opportunities tend to focus on current priority needs. Three prominent activity areas and <br />priority needs to investigate groundwater recharge were identified. <br />• Assistance in agricultural areas to address groundwater supply and groundwater <br />quality problems for local communities or at the regional level <br />• Opportunities to use Federal water supplies for recharge as part of conjunctive <br />surface and groundwater use programs for improved water efficiency <br />• Dedicated initiative to replenish groundwater in the High Plains Aquifer or other <br />large aquifers by integrating recharge into comprehensive planning <br />These issues all appear to be of national interest given the scope of the needs represented, <br />the multijurisdictional considerations, and the potential economic consequences. <br />Future Planning Mechanisms <br />The feasibility of integrating recharge within existing water management operations may <br />be more political than technical in nature. It is readily apparent that as water resources are <br />increasingly constrained, it will become more important to integrate groundwater and <br />surface water into planning. Coordinating between competing municipal, agricultural, and <br />environmental uses are critical issues to consider when determining the appropriate <br />direction for programs. Recharge programs and policies should reflect the scope and scale <br />of water management needs and alternatives to alleviate groundwater depletion. <br />E10 High Plains States Groundwater Demonstration Program <br />