As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) “In-lieu recharge” means accomplishing increased storage of groundwater by providing interruptible surface water to a user who relies on groundwater as a primary supply, to accomplish groundwater storage through the direct use of that surface water in lieu of pumping groundwater. In-lieu recharge would be used rather than continuing pumping while artificially recharging with the interruptible surface waters.

(b) “Project” means land and facilities for artificial groundwater recharge through methods which include, but are not limited to, (1) percolation using basins, pits, ditches and furrows, modified streambed, flooding, and well injection or (2) in-lieu recharge. “Project” also means land and facilities already in use for the purpose of groundwater recharge.

“Project” may include any of the following:

(1) Instream facilities for regulation of water levels, but not regulation of streamflow by storage to accomplish diversion from the waterway.

(2) Agency owned facilities for extraction.

(3) Conveyance facilities to the recharge site, including devices for flow regulation and measurement of recharge waters.

Any part or all of the project facilities, including the land under the facilities, may consist of the separable features, or an appropriate share of multipurpose features, of a larger system, or both.

(c) “Local agency” or “agency” means any city, county, district, joint powers authority, or other political subdivision of the state involved with water management.

(Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1034, Sec. 1.)