Industrial water system collage showing a large pump with a tan motor on a concrete base, blue pipes and valves inside a facility, and two workers in blue shirts inspecting gauges and piping.

Saving water underground for when it matters most

Roseville is expanding its groundwater program to make sure water is there when we need it most.

  • How it works: Think of it like a savings account for water. When we have extra, we store it underground using Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR). When supplies are tight, we bring that water back up and use it.
  • Why it matters: Our main water source is Folsom Lake, but during the last drought, levels dropped to historic lows. That showed us we need reliable backup options we can count on.
  • What we’re doing: We’re expanding ASR and our groundwater system so we can use surface water and groundwater together. This gives us flexibility no matter the weather.
  • How it helps locally: It improves reliability right here in Roseville by giving us another source of water during peak summer demand, droughts, or emergencies.
  • Bigger impact: This work also supports the region and the state. It helps balance surface water and groundwater use, supports environmental flows in the lower American River, and contributes to regional efforts like the Sacramento water bank. It also helps keep groundwater sustainable for the long term.
It all comes down to this: reliable water when you need it, even in the toughest conditions.

Projecting climate change impacts on our watershed

Roseville and several regional partners participated in a local study on watershed impacts from climate change. The study highlights expected changes to:

🌡️ Temperature: Our region may see temperatures increase by five to six degrees by 2070.

🌧️ Precipitation: More precipitation is expected to fall as rain instead of snow, with snowmelt happening earlier in the season.

🌊 Flood risk: Warmer temperatures and more rainfall can increase the risk of flooding.

🏞️ Summer conditions: Earlier snowmelt can lead to more flood releases from Folsom Reservoir and less water available later in summer and fall.

🚿 Water demand: Longer, hotter summers could increase water use by 7 to 8 percent.

💧 Water availability: Changing weather patterns may reduce water supplies during the summer months.

Learn how we’re planning for future water supply

How aquifer storage and recovery works

Diagram showing aquifer storage and recovery: on the left, water is injected underground through a well to recharge the aquifer; on the right, stored water is pumped back up through the same well for use.

Think of ASR like a savings account for water. When we have extra water, especially during wet periods or high river flows, we store it underground in natural aquifers using specially designed wells. When we need it, we pump that water back out and use it. This helps us make the most of water that might otherwise flow downstream and go unused. It also gives us more control over our local water supply, especially during dry months.

Watch how groundwater works in Roseville

 

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  • Final SEIR
  • 2012 ASR DEIR
  • 2012 ASR Final EIR
  • Aquifer Storage and Recovery Demonstration Test Phase 2 Initial Study - Negative Declaration
  • Diamond Creek Well Project Initial Study -  Mitigated Negative Declaration