Carter-Bybee Recharge Basin

Project Overview

The Carter-Bybee Recharge Basin is part of Fresno Irrigation District’s (FID) initiative to develop 400 additional acres of groundwater recharge basins. The project consists of a 35-acre basin to capture surface water to recharge the groundwater aquifer. The addition of Carter-Bybee brings FID’s total basin acreage to 980.

Construction on the project began in October 2024 and was completed in Summer 2025, marking a significant step toward FID’s goal to expand its groundwater recharge capacity. The recharge basin will be used in wet years to capture as much
floodwater as possible for groundwater recharge. Carter-Bybee Basin is located upstream of Biola Community Services District and will help stabilize groundwater levels for the community, nearby growers, and rural residents who rely on groundwater to help meet water supply needs.

Project Highlights:

35 Acres

140 acre-feet

storage capacity

840 acre-feet

estimated annual average recharge

Interties to FID’s Herndon Canal No. 39

for streamlined basin use

Groundwater Sustainability

Recharge basins like Carter-Bybee play a critical role in replenishing our groundwater aquifer. Groundwater is a vital resource, serving a critical need when surface water is limited. By capturing surface water during wet years, the Carter-Bybee Basin helps develop additional water supply to rely on during drier years, while also improving local groundwater conditions.

Project Funding

This project received nearly $3 million in state and federal funding, covering majority of the project construction costs. The remaining costs were covered through assessment funds.