Focuses on reducing the dependency of the subbasin on groundwater through an agricultural surface water supplies study to utilize local surface water from the Feather River for agriculture. Additionally, an agricultural irrigation efficiency initiative aims to reduce water use via precision irrigation and evapotranspiration (ET) monitoring to improve groundwater sustainability. 

Consultant: Larry Walker Associates  

Total Project Budget: $400,000 

Project Outcomes 

• Intra-Basin Water Exchange Feasibility Study: 
  • Objective: Assess the feasibility of exchanging water within the basin among various local water purveyors, like Thermalito Water and Sewer District and South Feather Water and Power Agency. 
  • Outcomes: 
    • Identification of water exchange opportunities and framework (who will exchange water, what is exchanged, costs/benefits). 
    • Development of draft water exchange agreements. 
    • Recommendations for environmental documentation, permits, and necessary conveyance infrastructure. 
• Agricultural Surface Water Supplies Feasibility Study: 
  • Objective: Explore the use of surface water for agricultural purposes to reduce reliance on groundwater (in-lieu recharge). 
  • Outcomes: 
    • Feasibility of using surface water for agriculture. 
    • Development of preliminary design plans (10%) for necessary infrastructure. 
    • Cost estimates and timelines for environmental compliance and permitting. 
• Agricultural Irrigation Efficiency Piloting Program: 
  • Objective: Improve agricultural irrigation efficiency to reduce water consumption. 
  • Outcomes: 
    • Creation of a pilot program with landowner participation, focused on precision irrigation and reduction of evapotranspiration. 
    • Farm-level assessments and implementation of irrigation technology tailored to specific crop types and water sources. 
    • Recommendations for CEQA/NEPA compliance and pilot program rollout, including the impact of precision irrigation on water savings. 

Project Progress 

• Updates on All Tasks/Accomplishments During 4/1/24 – 9/30/24:  
  • Project is on track and within budget. 
  • Progress on tasks include:  
  • Intra-basin water exchange feasibility -  
    • Held meetings with Thermalit Water and Sewer District (TWSD) and South Feather Water and Power Agency SFWPA); toured SFWPA facilities and service area; gathered information and summarized diversions from SFWPA water delivery system.  
  • Surface water in lieu of groundwater -   
    • Met with Butte County Public works to discuss surface water supply and recharge opportunities 
    • Met with West Yost, the County’s consultant for the Palermo Master Drainage Plan to discuss water supply and recharge opportunities  
    • Discovered a great collaboration opportunity here – both consultants can build off each other’s work, LWA will build off of and advance conceptual designs developed by West Yost in the Palermo Master Drainage Plan 
  • Precision Irrigation Program -  
    • Formed an ad hoc committee to advise on the Precision Irrigation Pilot Program planning and implementation.  
    • The Piot project is taking the shape – we will be working with Kevin from RCD, utilizing their mobile irrigation lab 
    • The lab will assess people’s current irrigation methods, suggest recommendations for improvements, and monitor and evaluate how well the improvements worked 
• Upcoming tasks:  
  • November 7th – Surface Water Supplies Public Engagement Meeting  
  • Identify potential landowners/farms to participate in Precision Irrigation Program; schedule site visits; meet with ad hoc committee and discuss recommended irrigation efficiency measures.