As megadroughts persist across California and the American Southwest, water security has become one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. The region’s dependence on snowpack and surface reservoirs has proven increasingly unreliable in the face of climate change. But a new solution is rising from beneath the surface: groundwater banking.

Unlike traditional reservoirs that sit exposed to the sun and elements, groundwater banking stores water underground, dramatically reducing evaporation and land-use conflicts. The concept is simple: capture surplus surface water during wet years, store it in natural aquifers, and recover it in times of drought. When paired with smart infrastructure, this method can provide a flexible, sustainable backup system that supports both urban and rural communities.

The Mojave Groundwater Bank: A Game Changer

At the center of this movement is Cadiz Inc., a California-based water infrastructure company focused on building climate-resilient systems. Their flagship initiative, the Mojave Groundwater Bank, represents one of the largest renewable groundwater storage projects in the United States.

Strategically located and connected to key regional aqueducts, the Mojave Groundwater Bank allows for large-scale water storage and access when it matters most. The project is designed not just to store water, but to do so in a way that promotes long-term environmental balance and fair distribution. In a region where every drop counts, this kind of progress is essential.