Delaware is fortunate to have geologic conditions favorable for artificial recharge and underground storage, in which we could keep as much water as we desire. We need to recharge aquifers, raising water level 2 feet over 10 percent of the 250 square miles of northern New Castle County. This means we would have stored approximately 2 billion gallons of water, which is equivalent to the capacity of the Hoopes Reservoir. Technically, it should not be difficult to raise 2 feet of water in significantly depleted aquifers. The most cost-effective way is to use abandoned sand and gravel pits for infiltration and idle deep wells for injection.
Many opportunities exist, but each situation is unique and requires site-specific analyses.
We should conduct a preliminary study and field test as soon as possible. A field test can be started this winter with existing pumping wells. Meanwhile, we need to conduct research on artificial recharge, and chemical compatibility of recharge water with the native groundwater. There is plenty of water available in Delaware. We do not have to rely on outside sources.