Aquifer Ponds: A multi-purpose, multi-benefit, scalable option for land repurposing

Abstract:Aquifer Ponds is a land-repurposing framework that transforms suitable low-lying sites into multi-benefit water assets. Developed in response to water supply challenges in California’s San Joaquin Valley, the concept combines groundwater recharge, stormwater capture, habitat value, and emergency water support in a flexible site design. An aquifer pond is a small surface pond connected to usable groundwater and maintained by a solar-powered circulation system. The surrounding sloped land is designed to capture runoff, stormwater, or floodwater for recharge while also supporting wildlife, livestock, and other local uses. Where appropriate, the design can also support firefighting access for water by land or helicopter, with the ability to refill repeatedly. The framework is intended for water-stressed, drought-prone, flood-prone, and wildfire-prone regions and can be adapted for use in many regions worldwide. In California, it aligns with sustainable groundwater management and multibenefit land repurposing goals by offering a practical way to convert retired or underused acreage into a resilient asset.