The San Joaquin Basin faces significant water management challenges due to decades of groundwater overdraft and severe floods. According to the Department of Water Resources, their newly released San Joaquin Basin Flood-MAR Watershed Studies highlight strategies to address these issues across several watersheds, including Calaveras, Stanislaus and Tuolumne. The studies emphasize capturing and storing floodwater underground, known as Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge, as a key strategy. This approach aims to transform extreme weather events into opportunities to replenish groundwater and support ecosystems.

Related articles:

• California Department of Water Resources: News release: New watershed studies highlight how the San Joaquin Basin can turn floods into opportunities
• Manteca Bulletin (Calif.): Recharging seen as key for Stanislaus Watershed
• State Water Contractors: News release: Department of Water Resources releases updated San Joaquin Watershed studies