California American Water's ASR Program Enhances Local Water Supply During Droughts

California American Water's ASR Program Enhances Local Water Supply

California American Water has taken significant strides in enhancing its community's water supply in Pacific Grove, California. Their Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) program plays a crucial role during the rainy season, capturing and storing excess water to ensure resilience in times of drought. This initiative has been successful for over twenty years, making substantial contributions to the local water infrastructure.

The ASR Process

The ASR system captures surplus winter flows from the Carmel River—a critical move in a state often challenged by drought conditions. Through a well-coordinated network of wells, pump stations, and booster stations, the water is transported to the Seaside Groundwater Basin for storage. Spencer Vartanian, the Director of Operations for California American Water, emphasizes the geologic advantage of using the local sedimentary rock to store water underground, enhancing the capability of these aquifers to function as natural reservoirs.

This process is pivotal given California's recurring droughts. State regulations dictate that the ASR program can only utilize excess flows during significant rain events, making the timing and scope of water capture unpredictable in drier years. Hence, the operator balances the ASR strategy with water recycling and desalination, ensuring a multifaceted approach towards reliable water supply management.

Current Achievements and Future Goals

Since the commencement of the ASR season on December 26, 2025, California American Water has successfully captured over 240-acre feet of water, equating to approximately 78 million gallons. For the water year of 2024-2025, more than 715-acre feet of water (approximately 233 million gallons) has been injected into the groundwater for future use. These metrics illustrate the proactive measures the utility company takes to safeguard water availability.

Vartanian notes that collaboration with partner agencies is essential for executing a successful ASR campaign, reinforcing the importance of community relationships in water management. By prioritizing a coordinated water resilience strategy, California American Water aims to meet the community needs while prepared for the challenges drought may present.

A Broader Perspective on Water Management

Water conservation remains a pressing issue in California. Even with recent rainfall, the need for long-term sustainable practices is paramount to ensure a stable supply. California American Water's comprehensive plan, which includes the ASR program, aims not only to collect and store water but also to educate and engage the community in conservation efforts.

In summary, the ASR program by California American Water is a vital initiative that provides a buffer against water scarcity while promoting sustainable management of essential resources. By leveraging natural aquifers and collaborating with various stakeholders, the company not only works to meet the immediate demands of the community but also fosters a resilient water management strategy for the future.