thumbnail

Assessing Natural Recharge in Indian Wells Valley, California: A Basin Characterization Model Case Study

Scientific Investigations Report 2026-5114
Water Availability and Use Science Program
Prepared in cooperation with Kern County, California
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20265114

Links

Abstract

The communities in Indian Wells Valley (IWV), in the northern Mojave Desert in California, rely on groundwater for domestic and agricultural use. Mountain front recharge from the surrounding Sierra Nevada is the main source of natural recharge to the valley. Increased urbanization, agricultural development, and groundwater pumping during recent decades put IWV in a state of critical overdraft. The U.S. Geological Survey Basin Characterization Model, version 8 (BCMv8) was used to evaluate historical and future climate and hydrologic conditions in IWV. The BCMv8 estimated natural recharge in IWV at 10.7 cubic millimeters (mm3) per year for the period from 1981 to 2010. Future patterns of water balance variables using three future climate scenarios, hot- wet, hot- dry, and warm- moderately wet, were calculated for mid- century (2040–69) and end- of- century (2070–99) periods. Results for both wet models projected an increase in recharge in both periods, whereas the hot- dry model projected a decrease in recharge in both periods. All models reported a large increase in seasonal variability in recharge, indicating more future availability and frequent occurrences of drought years. All climate scenarios projected an increase in climatic water deficit in both periods. These increases in irrigation demand and variability of water supply highlight the importance of strategic management planning for the sustainability of water resources in IWV.

Suggested Citation

Saleh, D., Flint, L., and Stern, M., 2026, Assessing natural recharge in Indian Wells Valley, California—A Basin Characterization Model case study: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2026–5114, 34 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20265114.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Assessing natural recharge in Indian Wells Valley, California: A Basin Characterization Model case study
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2026-5114
DOI 10.3133/sir20265114
Publication Date February 18, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) California Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 34 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details