| Recharge: The flow from the Lost River contributes around 6 MAF/year to the aquifer. The contribution peaks in the Spring months. Groundwater Pumping: Irrigators in Area 2 rely on ground water pumping to irrigate one million acres. The pumping typically removes around 4 MAF/year from the aquifer. The water is removed during irrigation season. Percolation from Area 2: About half of the water used for irrigation in Area 2 returns to the aquifer as percolation flows. |
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| Percolation from Area 1: A large fraction of the water diverted from the Idagon to Area 1 ends up as percolation flow to the aquifer. The percolation flow comes from seepage in the canals as well as percolation from the fields themselves. Discharge at Big Springs: The aquifer discharges its contents at Big Springs. The annual flow at Big Springs is around 10 MAF/year. The flow is quite constant from month to month. The Big Springs flow may change over many decades if there are changes in the volume of ground water stored in the aquifer. (If the volume should increase, for example, there will be a larger gradient between the ater table near the irrigation fields and the discharge point. With a larger gradient, we expect a larger discharge.) The flow from Big Springs leads directly into Lake Idagon. Maintaining a high flow in this section is one of the goals for the system. |