Enhanced Aquifer Recharge Using Stormwater: State of the Science Review (Presentation)
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Groundwater aquifers in the United States support natural ecosystems and are a critical source of water, but are being overused or depleted in many areas. Enhanced aquifer recharge (EAR) can be an effective way to augment drinking water supplies and to replenish groundwater and restore streamflow. EAR refers to the intentional recharge of groundwater aquifers, and includes wide ranging goals and practices collectively referred to as managed aquifer recharge (MAR), aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), artificial recharge and other terms. This report focuses on one aspect of EAR, the intentional recharge of aquifers using stormwater. Urban stormwater can contain a wide range of contaminants including the three primary categories of concern: metals, pathogens, and organic contaminants. A key concern regarding stormwater EAR is that contaminated stormwater can pose risks to groundwater quality. This report provides a summary and synthesis of scientific and technical literature on EAR using stormwater. It is based on a search and screening of published literature implemented during the period July to September, 2020. It discusses the diverse factors that influence the performance of EAR systems. The report also examines best practices for siting EAR projects, as well as operating and maintaining such systems as efficiently and safely as possible. The report is technical and does not address policy or regulatory issues. The report also identifies key knowledge gaps that would help advance the effective, efficient and safe EAR using stormwater.