Managed aquifer recharge: state-of-the-art and opportunities

The performance of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems is highly dependent upon local hydrogeology, which controls the movement and mixing of stored water and fluid–rock interactions, which can impact recharged water quality. The leading edge of MAR technology is the integration of data obtained using conventional and advanced aquifer characterization technologies into groundwater models that have improved predictive capabilities. Borehole and surface geophysical technologies and geostatistical and stochastic modeling methods, in particular, offer opportunities for improved aquifer characterization and modeling. The objective is to develop more accurate groundwater models that can be used as site-screening tools to identify locations and aquifers that have the greatest potential for successful implementation of MAR and to evaluate various design and operational options to find optimal local solutions.