ABSTRACT
Precipitation recharge results from the direct infiltration of precipitation over the landscape. Since it occurs over vast areas of land even a low precipitation recharge rate can still provide large volumes of water. In New Mexico (USA) a precipitation recharge rate of only 2 mm/year over the entire area of the state can provide all water needs for domestic and industrial users. This example illustrates not only the potential of precipitation recharge to secure future water supplies but also the importance of estimating it with millimeter resolution.
