Feasibility of Enhanced Recharge in the Lindo Channel is an effort to study the feasibility of enhancing groundwater recharge in Chico by diverting a portion of flows from Big Chico Creek. One of the main goals of this project is to assess a range of alternatives for improving recharge through the natural, unlined Lindo Channel.

This effort aims to support groundwater sustainability in areas of Chico experiencing declining water levels. By enhancing recharge, the project can:

• Improve groundwater levels for domestic well users.
• Support groundwater-dependent ecosystems along Big Chico Creek and Lindo Channel.
• Optimize an existing resource to promote long-term water resilience for the community.

The team are analyzing soil conditions, flow thresholds, minimum habitat requirements, flood protection requirements, and infrastructure needs, while also testing how well water can soak into the ground (percolation). Monitoring wells will help track changes in groundwater levels before and after recharge events to better understand the benefits.

Stakeholder and community engagement is central to this effort. The feasibility analysis includes coordination with the City of Chico, Butte County, Cal Water, state and federal agencies, community based environmental advocacy groups, and local residents to evaluate options and identify a preferred recharge alternative.

Key Tasks:  

• Recharge Feasibility and Alternatives Report:
  • Assess the feasibility of diverting flows from Big Chico Creek to Lindo Channel for recharge, including analysis of water rights, habitat needs, and downstream users.
  • Estimate potential recharge yield, evaluate infrastructure or channel improvements, test percolation rates, and assess environmental permitting needs.
  • Coordinate with the City of Chico, DWR, members from the local expert group (LEG), and other stakeholders to develop and evaluate the feasibility of recharge enhancement alternatives.
  • The final report will include a preferred alternative concept with estimated recharge potential, costs, funding options, permitting requirements, and operations and maintenance considerations.
• Monitoring Installation:
  • Install shallow monitoring wells near Lindo Channel.
  • Install monitoring equipment in domestic wells and within Lindo Channel to assess interactions between shallow groundwater and surface water. These data combined with infiltration and streamflow measurements will be used to quantify project benefits and evaluate potential impacts.

 Consultant: Geosyntec/West Yost  

Project Partner: City of Chico  

Total Project Budget: $330,000 

Key Accomplishments

• November 13, 2024: Held a public engagement and stakeholder meeting.
• Winter 24/25:  Performed infiltration testing and installed stilling wells (measures water levels) in Lindo Channel
• Spring 2025: Engaged with landowners to support the domestic well monitoring plan, secured land access agreements, and began installing monitoring equipment.
• March 2025: Completed key modeling tasks, including analysis of past weather and streamflow data, assessment of environmental constraints, and development of a flow model for Big Chico and Lindo channels. Also created a method to estimate stormwater infiltration, providing a tool to evaluate how future projects could affect groundwater recharge and environmental conditions in the area.
• April 8, 2025: Met with the Local Expert Group (LEG) to present modeling and recharge feasibility findings and received stakeholder feedback.

Schedule

Meeting Materials