Too much water, not enough water: planning and property rights considerations for linking flood management and groundwater recharge

This article looks at the potential for connecting two circumstances present in California and elsewhere in the world: having too much water, in the form of flooding; and not having enough water, as evidenced by overdrafted groundwater. It describes reversing the historical practice of channelizing rivers to obtain a variety of integrated benefits: more effective flood management, improved recreational opportunities and habitat, better water quality, enhanced community vitality and improved groundwater recharge. It identifies planning approaches to connecting flood management and groundwater recharge and considers some of the potential legal issues if used with private property.