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1 <br />Introduction <br />The High Plains States Groundwater Demonstration Program was initiated in response to <br />concerns regarding the extensive use and potential depletion of groundwater resources in <br />the and Western United States. The program was directed to conduct an investigation in <br />two phases, to establish groundwater recharge demonstration projects, and to report on <br />the scope, feasibility, economic, institutional, and environmental issues that can influence <br />the appropriate application of groundwater recharge in water resources management. <br />The program was comprised accordingly of cooperative recharge demonstration projects <br />and specialized investigations to examine these issues. The program was initiated in 1983, <br />and the final stages of the demonstration projects were concluded in 1999. This report <br />summarizes the program activities and findings according to the program legislation. <br />Authorization <br />The High Plains States Groundwater Demonstration Program Act (Act) of 1983 (Public <br />Law [P.L.] 98 -434) authorized the program and defined certain elements for conducting <br />program activities. Minor amendments to the Act were included in the provisions of the <br />Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 (P.L. 102 -575). <br />Program Participants <br />The authorizing legislation designated the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) as <br />the lead agency to administer and coordinate program activities in cooperation with the <br />U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and <br />other appropriate agencies and interest groups. Demonstration recharge projects were <br />undertaken cooperatively by local sponsoring water management agencies and research <br />organizations. A number of participants were involved in planning individual recharge <br />projects to consult or coordinate relevant technical issues, water rights, or environmental <br />considerations. The program also sponsored investigations that were completed by the <br />Western States Water Council and the National Academy of Sciences. <br />Program Summary Report Part I — Overview, Results, and Findings 1.1 <br />