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 

Intra-Basin Water Exchange Feasibility 

• Held meetings with the Thermalito Water and Sewer District (TWSD) and South Feather Water and Power Agency (SFWPA) to explore feasibility. 

Surface Water in Lieu of Groundwater 

• Met with Butte County Public Works to discuss surface water supply and recharge opportunities. 
• Toured SFWPA facilities and service area to gather information and summarize diversions from the SFWPA water delivery system. 
• Met with West Yost, the County’s consultant for the Palermo Master Drainage Plan, to explore water supply and recharge opportunities. 
• Identified a promising collaboration opportunity: LWA will build on and advance the conceptual designs developed by West Yost in the Palermo Master Drainage Plan. 
• On November 7, 2024, the Surface Water Supplies Public Engagement Meeting was held. 

Agricultural Irrigation Efficiency Program 

• Formed an ad hoc committee to advise on the planning and implementation of the Precision Irrigation Pilot Program. 
• The pilot project is taking shape: we will collaborate with Kevin from the Resource Conservation District (RCD) and utilize their mobile irrigation lab. 
  • The lab will assess current irrigation methods, suggest improvements, and monitor the effectiveness of those changes. 
• Began identifying landowners and farmers to participate in the Agricultural Irrigation Efficiency Program. 

Upcoming Tasks 

• Continue identifying potential landowners and farms for the Precision Irrigation Program. 
• Schedule site visits and meet with the ad hoc committee to discuss recommended irrigation efficiency measures.