Locust Tree Basin Project

The Locust Tree Basin Project, led by the North San Joaquin Water Conservation District in Lodi, California, involves the phased construction of a up to 60-acre groundwater recharge basin between June 2026 and July 2027. The project requires the removal of existing cherry orchards and vineyards to prepare the site, followed by the creation of berms and basins designed to facilitate controlled infiltration of surface water into the underlying aquifer. Pipelines and associated appurtenances will be installed to route water from existing sources to the basin in accordance with water right permit 10477, ensuring legal and environmentally sound groundwater recharge operations. The initiative aims to enhance regional groundwater levels and contribute to sustainable water management in the San Joaquin Valley. All work will take place on private property within the 95253 zip code area, with construction activities coordinated through the district’s General Manager, Steve Schwabauer, who serves as the primary point of contact. The project is forecasted to begin in June 2026 and conclude in July 2027, with the entire timeline structured around phased development to minimize disruption and optimize efficiency. The effort aligns with broader regional goals of groundwater replenishment and long-term water supply resilience, leveraging permitted water rights and existing land use to achieve ecological and hydrological benefits without new water diversions.