Aquifer storage and recovery

Abstract

Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) has the potential to utilise surface water resources, including urban stormwater runoff and treated wastewater that is largely wasted; thereby relieving the pressure on groundwater resources. In the broader sense, opportunities exist to use ASR to rethink our traditional water management and distribution policies, and to provide cost-effective and innovative alternatives to current methods of water supply. In South Australia, an increasing amount of stress is being placed on surface and groundwater resources to meet demands from expanding irrigated horticultural areas and urban populations. ASR can be used to reduce some of the pressure on traditional supplies of water, especially in metropolitan areas. But the sources of water for ASR must be carefully considered especially in rural areas so as not to shift the burden from one water supply source to another. A number of issues surround the use of ASR as a water management solution and these relate principally to water quality and water quantity. In rural areas, for example, the 'harvesting' of water from creeks and streams may result in extra pressure on an already stressed resource by further reducing the amount of water available to the environment. In urban areas the expanse of paved surfaces provides an ideal medium to capture large volumes of stormwater runoff. However, the volumes are often well in excess of any potential local demand. Understanding ASR technology ensures success in almost all situations ...