definition

Aquifer recharge is achieved by adding surface water in basins, furrows, ditches, wells or other facilities where it infiltrates into the soil and recharges the aquifers. Aquifer recharge allows water retention underground. During flood events, water can be redirected to aquifer's area.
(Bouwer H., 2001)

Co-benefits and impacts

As water percolates down into the aquifer, it is usually purified from biological pollutants. Being an underground storage solution, it does not require large surfaces of land as does reservoir storage. It reduces evaporation and decreased impact on water resources. Aquifer recharge enhances the flexibility of water utilities concerning (with regards to) the increased risk of floods due to climate change and also can store water during drought periods. Aquifer recharge also helps to replenish water in aquifers. (Smith H., et. al., 2015)

comments

Aquifer recharge can only be implemented where suitable underground storage is possible. Infiltration basins may not be implemented directly in urban areas due to the pollution risk. Protection measures for the underground storage must be taken in order to preserve it. There is a lack of guidelines for the quality of infiltrated water, which is, to now, regulated locally by each authority. Building up a seawater intrusion barrier may have negative impacts on the environment if the water for the barrier is withdrawn from surface waters, or imported from remote locations. In addition, the equipment may have a high energy demand.
(Staub M. and Moreau-Le Golvan Y., 2012)

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Last modified: Sept. 21, 2016, 6:52 a.m.