Vision

The Enhanced Recharge Project enhances the natural replenishment of groundwater basins while preparing the region for future drought and population growth.

As part of San Bernardino Valley’s long-term strategy for climate resilience and water sustainability, this project expands the region’s capacity to capture local stormwater and store imported water.

Goals

The Enhanced Recharge Project’s goal is to increase the amount of stormwater that can be captured and recharged from the Santa Ana River just downstream of the Seven Oaks Dam.

• Augment Local Water Supply
• Enhance Downstream Habitats
• Restore Ecosystems
• Water Quality Protection

Phase I-A

Phase 1-A is located just downstream of the Seven Oaks Dam on land owned by San Bernardino Valley. This phase includes intake improvements, a sedimentation basin, and new sections of a pipeline to transport water to the Phase 1-B facilities. A major portion of the construction for the Phase 1-A Project started in 2018 was subsequently completed in early 2019. Since then, the diversion structure, sedimentation basin, and other associated appurtenances have been tested and are in operation.

Phase 1-B

Phase 1-B of the Enhanced Recharge Project more than doubles the number, size, and capacity of recharge basins located within the Santa Ana River alluvial floodplain on lands included in the Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan (Wash Plan). This phase includes improvements to an existing canal to accommodate increased water flow, and construction of approximately 300 acres of new basins to expand recharge capability. These improvements mean that the amount of stormwater from the Santa Ana River that can be captured during wet years and stored underground for beneficial use during dry years is greatly increased.