This project represents efforts to implement aquifer recharge at the Stiller Pond site on Mill Creek for the benefit of instream flows. This is being achieved through three phases 1) the approval of a Local Water Plan authorizing recharge with existing water rights, 2) construction of recharge infrastructure to allow for increased quantities of recharge, and 3)seeking a new water rights through the Environmental Enhancement Program process to substantially increase the volume of recharge occuring.

PHASE 1: The purpose of the Stiller Pond Site Local Water Plan (LWP) is to enhance instream flow conditions downstream from the surface water point of diversion on Mill Creek to the confluence with the Walla Walla River and continuing on the Walla Walla River as far downstream as river mile 37. This will be accomplished by:
(1) adding aquifer recharge as a purpose of use to existing surface water rights contained in the LWP;
(2) diverting a minimum of 32 acre-feet annually for shallow aquifer recharge (SAR) at Stiller Pond; and
(3) changing the season of use of 32 acre-feet annually from summer irrigation diversions to winter/spring use.

PHASE 2: In order to increase the amount of recharge the delivery system can provide the Walla Walla County Conservation District and Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council are working with GSI Water Solutions to design infrastrucutre for larger recharge project and to develop a monitoring program to monitor results and impacts. Even with a late February start,the project was able to recharge about 300 acre-feet of water during a 10-week pumping period. Plans are to pump from Dec. 2014 to May 2015 with a recharge target of 500 acre-feet.

PHASE 3: Work is also starting on efforts to pursue an "Environmental Enhancement Project" water right. This kind of right is the only kind of new water right that can be issued in the Walla Walla Basin. This phase will allow for significantly more water to be diverted and utilized in this project.