In a proactive and forward-looking step, the State of Idaho has embarked on a planning process known as the Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan (CAMP). One of the anticipated drivers of future needs and supply constraints is climate change, and one anticipated response is to provide additional storage capacity to mitigate the effects of altered patterns of runoff from mountain snow pack. Local aquifers can potentially provide additional storage. Managed aquifer recharge means to intentionally place water in the aquifer at times when supplies exceed current needs, for later withdrawal when supplies are short. It may provide storage at lower cost than building new surface-water structures, protects water from evaporation, and does not carry the threat of catastrophic flood from infrastructure failure.
