Coachella Valley, California

Client: Coachella Valley Water District

Water source: Groundwater and Colorado River

Mr. O'Neill developed a hydrologic database and three-dimensional flow model for the large and geologically complex groundwater basin in Coachella Valley, California, an area of mixed agricultural, municipal, and desert resort water use. The model was applied to the Coachella Valley Water District's evaluation of water resource alternatives for the basin, including artificial recharge and conjunctive use projects. Results were used in support of quantifying the District's annual entitlement to imported Colorado River water and were integrated in the District’s Water Management Plan and Environmental Impact Report, essential to the Quantification Settlement Agreement, which allocates Colorado River water for stakeholders over the next century.