Kenneson & Sanchez Recharge Basins

Project Overview

The Kenneson & Sanchez Basins Project is part of Fresno Irrigation District’s (FID) initiative to develop 400 additional acres of basins, adding to its 890 acres of existing basins. The Project consists of two basins spanning 47 acres for surface water capture to recharge the groundwater aquifer.

Construction started in November of 2023 and was completed in March of 2024, marking another major stride towards FID’s goal to expand groundwater recharge capacity. The recharge facilities will be used in wet years to take as much floodwater as possible for groundwater recharge. Recharge at the Kenneson & Sanchez Basins will support nearby growers, rural residents, and the nearby Sun Empire Elementary School who rely on groundwater to help meet water supply needs.

Project Highlights:

47 Acres

160 acre-feet

storage capacity

960 acre-feet

estimated annual recharge

Adjacent to the Big Sandridge Canal

for streamlined basin use

Groundwater Sustainability

Groundwater is one of our most valuable resources, serving a critical need when surface water is insufficient to meet the needs of growers and residents in the area. basins play a vital role in replenishing our groundwater aquifer by capturing surface water during wet years to develop dry year water supply. The Kenneson & Sanchez Basins will help improve groundwater conditions and secure water now and for future generations.

Project Funding

This project received nearly $2.5 million in state and federal funding, which covers more than half of the project construction costs. The remaining costs are covered through Proposition 218 landowner investments.