Managed Aquifer Recharge

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the infiltration or injection of a source water, such as treated wastewater or stormwater, into an aquifer under controlled conditions. Water can be added to the aquifer by a number of methods including infiltration via basins or galleries, or by use of injection wells.

The use of MAR has the potential to provide benefits for water resources and environmental management. Benefits include improved maintenance of wetlands and caves, opportunity for storage of water (in times of surplus to meet need in times of demand), prevention of salt-water intrusion, increased water availability for irrigation use and augmentation of drinking water supplies (known as Groundwater Replenishment). MAR also has the potential to improve water quality through natural processes, it may assist in the removal of nutrients such as phosphates and organics, the degradation of chemicals (such as disinfection by-products) and pathogen die-off.

There is potential for MAR to play an important role in the sustainable management of Western Australia’s water resources, however there are a number of potential environmental, health and social issues associated with the process. These issues are currently being addressed through research conducted between State government agencies, scientific research organisations and academic institutions. The research will enable government regulators to develop rigorous guidelines to manage any associated health and environmental risks and will assist in determining how MAR can be used as a sustainable means of water management.

For more information on MAR, visit the CSIRO Water for a Healthy Country web site or for more information of Groundwater Replenishment visit the Water Corporation web site.