This project will strategically combine applied research, decision-support innovations, and public engagement to lower barriers to widespread adoption of enhanced aquifer recharge (ear) and unlock its…

This project will strategically combine applied research, decision-support innovations, and public engagement to lower barriers to widespread adoption of enhanced aquifer recharge (ear) and unlock its potential to provide multiple water security benefits. Activities:this project will develop a life-cycle view of ear to encompass three pillars of decision making: geochemical and physical considerations; legal and institutional considerations; and cost-benefit analysis and life-cycle assessment. The project will a) generalize and contextualize cutting edge research contributions, B) produce a comprehensive picture of the life cycle of ear implementation, and C) create actionable recommendations for practitioners and develop and formalize best practices for ear.subrecipient:the subaward to UC davis ($82,259) is for research and synthesis on geophysical elements and technical methods for ear. The subaward to UC santa cruz ($254,912) is for research and synthesis on geophysical elements and technical methods for ear, as well as work on methods and considerations for managing water quality. The subaward to UC hastings ($59,994) supports research on legal, policy and institutional topics.outcomes:the deliverables of this project include annual and final reports, as well as an ear lifecycle map that can be used as a tool for state and local decision-makers contemplating ear projects and as a repository from which key resources and tools can be found and evaluated. Direct beneficiaries of this project will be water quality managers, state and local decision makers, and the general public, especially in areas susceptible to drought.