REPLENISHING OUR GROUNDWATER
GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION IN THE CHINO BASIN DISTRICT

When you’re driving around the area you might wonder to yourself, “What is that big pit in the ground? Why haven’t they filled it in yet?” In the District’s case, these open areas are actually percolation basins used to catch storm water. In our area, percolation basins play a large role in replenishing the Chino Groundwater Basin. These basins are intentionally left open to catch storm water as it runs down from the mountains. Instead of running off into drains and out of our area, the water is captured and returned to the ground for future use.

Replenishing our groundwater goes a long way in providing more water independence. Other areas that do not have groundwater basins must rely more on imported water coming from the Colorado River, the Sacramento / San Joaquin Bay Delta up north, or other sources. The District’s basins are an important link to ensure that we make use of water that comes naturally to our area through rainfall and snow melt.