Well Fields - Groundwater Recovery and River Regulation Program
In 1964, the United States Congress expanded use of appropriated funds for groundwater recovery and drainage relief to include the entire Yuma area groundwater basin, and to assist with regulating flows in the Colorado River. The purposes of the groundwater recovery program are to:
- Recover U.S. irrigation return flows from groundwater to assist in meeting requirements for water delivery to Mexico
- Provide some drainage relief for the Valley Division of the Yuma Project
- Assist in Colorado River operations by reducing over-deliveries to Mexico
Reclamation constructed four well fields for groundwater recovery in the Yuma area. The Yuma Valley, South Gila Valley, and Yuma Mesa Well Fields were completed under the Colorado River Front Work and Levee System project; and the 242 well field was completed under the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project. These well fields are maintained and operated by the Yuma Area Office.