Author
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Bouwer, Herman |
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Submitted to: Biennial Groundwater Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 8/12/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: This paper is based on previous research for which an abstract and interpretive summary have already been prepared. Technical Abstract: Artificial recharge of groundwater plays an important role in the use of municipal wastewater (sewage) effluent because it provides soil-aquifer treatment (SAT) and storage of the effluent and enhances the aesthetics and public acceptance of potable water reuse. Besides, including SAT in recharge for underground storage of water and/or water reuse is very cost-effective. However, because of the increasing need for recharge and reuse, artificial recharge for underground storage of water, and SAT of sewage effluent, recharge will be done increasingly on finer textured soils as found in agricultural areas or deserts. Accumulated infiltration rates for such soils may be as little as 20m/yr, as compared to 200 m/yr or more for more permeable soils. Evaporation then can be as high as 10% of the water applied, but this often is still acceptable. The finer soils require special management to minimize soil clogging and resulting reduction in infiltration rates. Where surface soils are not permeable enough and more permeable soils occur at greater depth, excavated basins, seepage trenches, or vadose zone injection wells can be used. Design and management criteria for the systems are presented. Remaining issues such as water quality improvement and sustainability aspects are also discussed. |
