Idaho hopes solid snowpack will help replenish aquifer
Idaho hopes solid snowpack will help replenish aquifer Boise State Public Radio
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Idaho Works Towards Aquifer Replenishment to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
Wesley Hipke, the aquifer recharge manager for the Idaho Department of Water Resources, oversees the process of sending water underground to replenish the aquifer in Jerome County’s sagebrush desert. This initiative aligns with Idaho’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water conservation and management.
Exceeding Annual Recharge Goals
Hipke reported that southern Idaho has already surpassed its annual goal of recharging 250,000 acre-feet of water this year due to an average to above-average snow year. By the end of the season, which is expected to be around mid-May, the state could reach a total recharge of 400,000-acre feet. In recent years, the recharge goal has not been met due to a prolonged drought, making this year’s success crucial for rebuilding the aquifer.
“When we have these opportunities, it is essential to maximize our efforts and recharge as much water as possible,” emphasized Hipke. “This year’s progress will significantly contribute to the restoration of the aquifer.”
Addressing Aquifer Decline
The aquifer in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) experienced record-low water levels last year, highlighting the urgent need for replenishment efforts. Despite reservoirs being filled this spring, the Department of Water Resources issued a notice cautioning about potential irrigation shortages this summer.
If shortages occur, farmers who rely on the aquifer for irrigation and are not part of a state-approved mitigation plan may face water shut-offs. The state will assess the situation based on spring weather conditions and issue an updated irrigation order in July.
Conclusion
Idaho’s proactive approach to aquifer replenishment aligns with the SDGs, particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. By exceeding their annual recharge goals and prioritizing sustainable water management, Idaho is taking significant steps towards ensuring a resilient and secure water supply for its communities and ecosystems.
Find reporter Rachel Cohen on Twitter @racheld_cohen
Copyright 2024 Boise State Public Radio
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity | – Replenishment of the aquifer – Water levels in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | – Impact of multi-year drought on water recharge goals |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements | – Replenishment of the aquifer in the sagebrush desert of Jerome County |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 15: Life on Land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
– Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
– Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Replenishment of the aquifer: This indicates progress towards ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
– Water levels in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA): This indicates progress towards reducing the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
– Impact of multi-year drought on water recharge goals: This indicates progress towards strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
Please note that the specific numbers mentioned in the article (e.g., recharging 250,000 acre-feet of water each year) can be used as quantitative indicators to measure progress towards the targets.
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: boisestatepublicradio.org
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