#18 Groundwater Banking California’s Water Saving Account

Everybody knows putting money away for a rainy day is a good idea. But how about putting surplus water away for a drought year?

That’s the concept behind groundwater banking, a key water management tool that is one of the most promising ways to stretch water supplies and cope with droughts and other water shortages. Groundwater banking programs work like a savings account, allowing surplus water to be “deposited” in underground basins during wet periods for use in dry times.

This segment takes a close look at groundwater banking and its role in managing California’s water resources. Huell visits two locations -- the Kern Water Bank near Bakersfield and United Water Conservation District’s groundwater recharge facilities in Ventura County – to learn why groundwater banking is California’s water savings account.