How is ground water harvested?
Groundwater harvesting, or groundwater extraction, is the process by which water is taken out of the ground for use in a variety of ways. In California, ground water can be harvested using wells, springs, or trenches. Wells are the most common form of groundwater harvesting and use pumps to extract water from deep within the ground. Springs occur when water is pushed to the surface through openings in the ground. Water that is found in trenches is usually less pure than what is found in wells and springs. In order to harvest groundwater, landowners in California must obtain a permit from the local government. The permit requires landowners to submit detailed plans on how they will collect the water and how they plan to use the water. The local government then reviews the plans and determines if the proposed project is feasible and in line with local laws and regulations. In order to establish the amount of water that can be harvested from the ground, landowners must either obtain a certification from the state or an authorization from a local agency. Certification from the State is obtained through the Water Rights Program, which sets limits on how much water can be taken from certain locations. An authorization from a local agency is obtained through the Subdivision and Development Code, which sets limits on how much water can be taken from a single location. When harvesting groundwater, it is important to remember that the water must be used responsibly. Laws in California require that water be used for beneficial purposes such as drinking water, irrigation, and landscape maintenance. Additionally, ground water must be replenished when used. This can be done through groundwater recharge or managed recharge, which involves the introduction of water back into the ground.
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