Pioneering Farmer's Flooding Experiment Could Save California from Drought

Fellow farmers called Don Cameron crazy, when first he intentionally flooded his central California farm in 2011, pumping excess stormwater onto his fields.

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Now policy makers are asking others to emulate Cameron’s experiment to control flooding and replenish the ground water.

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California has been experiencing disastrous drought and raging floodwaters.

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Terra Nova owned by Cameron has basins filled with 1.5 to 3.5 feet of water.

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This mimicking of nature – letting water flow across the landscape – is the most cost-effective way to manage peak flood flows.

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The upcoming state legislations would ease permitting and guarantee water rights for participating growers.

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California recently provided $260 million in grants to Groundwater Sustainability Agencies established under SGMA.

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“We’re at the beginning of a lot of momentum for groundwater recharge programs,” said Paul Gosselin, of the state groundwater office.

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