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has been published which identifies the primary recharge zone and other geologic features of the project. In this report the Utah Geological Survey presents a thorough geologic background of the recharge area. This report also provides rationale for pilot project and builds a solid foundation for future efforts.
The pilot study that began in March of 2004
The project demonstrates the feasibility of Aquifer Storage and Recovery projects at the pilot project site. The pilot project is ideally located in an area with conditions favorable to aquifer recharge. During the initial phases of the project, water-level data as well as water-quality data was collected from wells.
 
Recharge Ponds Under Construction
Water Sampling and Data Collection Plan
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Water levels in selected wells measured monthly (from 2 weeks prior to 2 weeks after pilot study daily).
Water quality samples from selected wells taken quarterly (monthly) - samples were from monitoring wells that were established daily during pilot project.
by University of Utah personnel before during and after pilot project.
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Ground-water flow model constructed prior to experiment and used after experiment to assess success of pilot project.
Volume of surface-water used to recharge the aquifer was accurately measured (and kept within available water rights).
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Updates, 2004
There has been complete cooperation between several State and Federal agencies. The list of participating agencies indicates the complexity of the project:
Left to right: Marek Matyjasik (Weber State); Mike Lowe (Utah Geological Survey); and Ben Everitt (Utah Water Resources) take ground- water level readings.
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Participants
Water-level measurements show water is making its way into the aquifers. Water levels in monitoring wells at the site have risen or remain steady. Future utilization of adjacent gravel pits close to mouth of the canyon could help make recharge capacity much higher.
The most accurate and comprehensive ground-water model ever attempted of the Delta and Sunset aquifers of the Weber Delta area is well under way.
Weber State University is doing the modeling with help from other agencies. The first model runs are expected January 2005.
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Microgravity has been used successfully to demonstrate the area extent and vertical rise of the recharge water mound. The University of Utah is conducting the work. The project has resulted in favorable publicity through television news and newspaper stories.
Weber Basin’s Board approve purchase of the property at the pilot project site. This signals a strong commitment by the District to continue recharging the aquifer. Now that the district owns the property, they will be able to continue recharging the aquifer.
Finally, in Conclusion
The project has been enough of a success that the land at the site has been purchased by the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District; plans to implement aquifer storage and recovery at the site on a permanent basis beginning next spring are being considered. This project highlights the ability of many entities to successfully work toward a common goal. Project participants include the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, Utah Division of Water Resources, Utah Geological Survey, Weber State University Department of Geosciences, University of Utah Department of Geology and Geophysics, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. This pilot project, combined with recharge experiments conducted near the mouth of Weber Canyon in the 1950’s, indicate a strong likelihood for the success of aquifer storage and recovery projects in the east shore area of Great Salt Lake, where ground-water levels have declined up to 50 feet since the late 1930’s. Active gravel pits in the area may be potential sites for future ground-water recharge ponds when the gravel resources become depleted.
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