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Purpose and Objectives <br />The High Plains States Groundwater Demonstration Program was formulated to obtain <br />information from actual applied recharge projects to evaluate the effective application of <br />groundwater recharge technology under a range of hydrogeologic conditions found in the <br />Western United States. As a result, the program emphasis was on practical experience to <br />identify and evaluate factors that can influence the effective use of groundwater recharge <br />for more efficient and sustainable management of water resources. <br />The program legislation identified major elements to address in undertaking demonstration <br />recharge projects and investigations. The overall program objectives are to: <br />♦ Coordinate and participate in applied recharge demonstration projects <br />♦ Evaluate alternative means to allocate recharge project benefits and costs <br />♦ Evaluate economic feasibility and legal authority for applying recharge <br />♦ Evaluate location, scope, and feasibility of operational recharge projects <br />♦ Assess the feasibility to integrate recharge with existing water projects <br />The central focus of the program was on implementing applied groundwater recharge <br />projects through cooperative cost - sharing arrangements with water management agencies <br />and research organizations. The first overall program goal directly concerns the applied <br />recharge demonstration projects. The other major program goals are comprehensive in <br />nature and describe topics encompassing legal, regulatory, and economic considerations <br />pertaining to surface water and groundwater, recharge technology and applications, and <br />current water management practices. <br />These program objectives encouraged the review and evaluation of a variety of potential <br />recharge applications, including methods to address specific water management problems <br />and accommodate different hydrogeologic conditions. The original program legislation <br />also established requirements for undertaking projects in the 17 Western States to obtain <br />practical information and experience pertaining to current State and local administrative <br />mechanisms. This approach also included consideration for relevant intergovernmental <br />provisions or transjurisdictional issues associated with Native American organizations or <br />bordering countries, Canada and Mexico. <br />The intent of the program legislation is clear. The primary function of supporting applied <br />groundwater recharge projects can help overcome economic barriers to recharge while <br />gaining better understanding of the technical and institutional issues facing recharge as an <br />emerging technology. The information obtained could contribute to policymaking and <br />program development to anticipate essential water resource challenges in the future. <br />1.2 High Plains States Groundwater Demonstration Program <br />