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Critical Aquifer Recharge Area

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Water is an essential life-sustaining element.  Much of Washington’s drinking water comes from ground water supplies.  Once ground water is contaminated it is difficult, costly, and sometimes impossible to clean up.  Preventing contamination is necessary to avoid exorbitant costs, hardships, and potential physical harm to people.

 
The quality of ground water in an aquifer is inextricably linked to its recharge area.  Where aquifers and their recharge areas have been studied, counties and cities should use this information as the basis for classifying and designating critical aquifer recharge areas.  Where no specific hydrogeologic studies have been done, counties and cities may use existing soil, surficial geologic, and well log information to determine where recharge areas are likely to be located.

Department of Ecology Critical Aquifer Recharge Area website

The purpose of a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) ordinance is to provide local governments with a mechanism to classify, designate, and regulate those areas deemed necessary to provide adequate recharge and protection to aquifers used as sources of potable (drinking) water. The ordinance defines and regulates Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas.
 
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