Case Studies - Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge

The Klamath River has been the subject of intense water management pressure in recent years. Demand for irrigation water has reduced water levels in the Lower Klamath wetland complex, causing concern to water and wildlife managers. In an attempt to physically restore water levels in the wetland, while maintaining irrigation deliveries outside the refuge, groundwater is being pumped from a deep basalt aquifer into the wetland.

Since the project was initiated in 2000, 8 wells have been installed with a capacity of between 2,000 – 5,000 gallons per minute per well. 10,000 AF projected capacity Basalt aquifer system