GIS Assessment of Groundwater Recharge Potential in Whatcom County, Washington State: Implications for Land Use

Ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge play an important role in sustainable management of groundwater resources. The present study was carried out to identify and map zones in the North Lynden Watershed Improvement District (NLWID) that have productive groundwater recharge potential using Geographical Information System (GIS). The NLWID is part of the Fishtrap Creek Watershed, which is faced with land use changes, loss of resource land and farmlands that have the potential to reduce natural recharge of the Sumas-Abbotsford Aquifer. A penetrometer field test was carried out to investigate soil compaction and the relationship between land cover and groundwater recharge potential. The penetrometer field test qualitatively revealed that land cover and the required management practices in addition to the soil types can affect groundwater recharge potential. The results of the study can be used to formulate an efficient groundwater recharge management plan for sustainable utilization of limited groundwater resources.