Project Number: 6206-13610-007-17
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jan 15, 2011
End Date: Sep 30, 2013

Objective:
Determine the rates of potential groundwater recharge in the sugar cane production system including seepage from irrigation canals and reservoirs. Seepage in these areas is critical for recharging aquifers that supply water to the Island of Maui. Quantifying the rates of recharge is needed to assess water supplies for potential biofuels production.

Approach:
Categorize the existing 75 miles of irrigation canals by similar soils, geology, and slope and whether the canal is lined or unlined. Within specific sample areas of similar geology, slope, soils, and canal type (line or unlined), use geophysical methods to assess potential for seepage. In areas of potentially high seepage, install seepage meters to give more quantitative rates of water loss within the canal system.