Cadiz and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Launch Collaborative Groundwater Project Funding Agreement
In a significant step towards addressing water scarcity in the Southwest, Cadiz, Inc. announced on May 26, 2026, its partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. This collaboration aims to evaluate the Mojave Groundwater Bank project through a new funding agreement that underscores the importance of innovative water management practices in the region.
The Mojave Groundwater Bank, which is located in southern California, serves as a vital resource, designed to interconnect various water systems to bolster supply and enhance drought resilience. Under the agreement, Cadiz will financially support the Bureau of Reclamation in essential technical and regulatory review activities. This initiative was initiated following a Memorandum of Understanding established in September 2025 with key stakeholders, including Fenner Valley Water Authority and Fenner Gap Mutual Water Company.
The agreement’s focus is on several initial tasks that will commence promptly. These include assessing suitable methods for implementing water exchange agreements within the Colorado River System, as well as validating existing water supply capabilities. Moreover, technical evaluations will help outline future federal investments in the project, which Cadiz hopes will significantly augment water supply reliability for millions living in California.
Cadiz's CEO, Susan Kennedy, emphasized the collaborative nature of this project. "This agreement represents an important step forward in our collaboration with Reclamation and other stakeholders to evaluate the Mojave Groundwater Bank's potential role in augmenting water supplies within the Colorado River system and improving water supply reliability throughout the Southwest," she noted. This collaboration not only aims to enhance water availability but also underscores the necessity of innovative solutions in an era marked by rising temperatures and dwindling water resources.
The Mojave Groundwater Bank is designed to be a conjunctive-use groundwater storage project, strategically positioned near the borders of Arizona and Nevada. Managed by Fenner Gap Mutual Water Company, the project incorporates a new pipeline infrastructure, which is crucial for enhancing flexibility in water supply and ensuring resilience against drought conditions. The bank is estimated to hold around 30 million acre-feet of groundwater, capable of delivering up to 75,000 acre-feet of reliable annual water supply.
As Cadiz moves forward with its planned assessments and validations, the company's extensive resources and infrastructure play a pivotal role. Founded in 1983, Cadiz, Inc. has positioned itself as a leading California water solutions company, managing approximately 45,000 acres of land and boasting 220 miles of pipeline assets. Their commitment to water accessibility aligns closely with the ongoing efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change on water supplies.
The success of the Mojave Groundwater Bank will not only benefit California residents but also serve as a model for other regions grappling with water scarcity. As Cadiz and the Bureau of Reclamation proceed with their evaluation work, their partnership aims to set a standard for innovative water resource management in a time when effective strategies are more crucial than ever. For more details, readers are encouraged to visit the Mojave Groundwater Bank’s official website at www.mojavegroundwaterbank.com, as well as Cadiz's site at www.cadizinc.com to explore in-depth information about their water solutions and ongoing projects.
In conclusion, as water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue, the collaboration between Cadiz, Inc. and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation exemplifies proactive measures taken to use existing resources wisely, ensuring future generations can have access to vital water supplies. This partnership could potentially lead to a stronger water management framework across the Southwest, addressing immediate and future challenges in water availability.