How Pumping the Big Chino Affects the Flow in the Verde River

Ground water pumping in the Big Chino Valley reduces the base flow of the Verde River by intercepting and consuming ground water that would otherwise discharge from springs in the Verde River Canyon. Historical and current data support this idea. Several ADWR, USGS, USBR and private consultants' investigations have all pointed to the hydrologic connection between the ground water flowing through the Big Chino Valley Aquifer and the base flow of the Verde River. Increased pumping in the Big Chino Valley will further deplete the flow of the Verde River, will potentially harm critical habitat for endangered species, and will injure downstream water rights. Document prepared by SRP. View Document.