Artificial recharge of groundwater: hydrogeology and engineering

Artificial recharge of groundwater is achieved by putting surface water in basins, furrows, ditches, or other facilities where it infiltrates into the soil and moves downward to recharge aquifers. Artificial recharge is increasingly used for short- or long-term underground storage, where it has several advantages over surface storage, and in water reuse. Artificial recharge requires permeable surface soils. Where these are not available, trenches or shafts in the unsaturated zone can be used, or water can be directly injected into aquifers through wells. To design a system for artificial recharge of groundwater, infiltration rates of the soil must be determined and the unsaturated zone between land surface and the aquifer must be checked for adequate permeability and absence of polluted areas. The aquifer should be sufficiently transmissive to avoid excessive buildup of groundwater mounds. Knowledge of these conditions requires field investigations and, if no fatal flaws are detected, test basins to predict system performance. Water-quality issues must be evaluated, especially with respect to formation of clogging layers on basin bottoms or other infiltration surfaces, and to geochemical reactions in the aquifer. Clogging layers are managed by desilting or other pretreatment of the water, and by remedial techniques in the infiltration system, such as drying, scraping, disking, ripping, or other tillage. Recharge wells should be pumped periodically to backwash clogging layers. Electronic supplementary material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10040-001-0182-4. Electronic Publication     

地下水人工回灌气相堵塞特征的试验研究

地下水人工回灌可以高效地利用雨季丰沛的水量来缓解地下水过量开采造成的海水入侵、泉水断流等环境水文地质问题,但回灌堵塞一直是制约人工回灌效率的关键问题。针对雨洪水回灌携带的大量气泡问题,设计室内砂柱试验模拟装置,利用曝气水进行人工回灌,定时记录试验过程中测压管读数及出流流量,利用达西定律计算各层渗透系数,研究气相堵塞的发展过程和规律。结果表明:回灌过程中由于气相堵塞导致含水层渗透系数随时间呈指数衰减,气相堵塞主要发生在介质浅表层（0~30 cm）,且随时间有向下发展的趋势,堵塞速率随深度的增加逐渐减小,在回灌过程中适时停灌进行排气有利于减小气相堵塞对回灌效率的影响。     

地下水人工回灌堵塞问题研究进展

地下水人工回灌堵塞问题的产生与回灌水质、入渗介质的矿物成分及颗粒组成特征等多种因素有关,通常根据成因将堵塞分为物理堵塞、化学堵塞和生物堵塞3种类型。大颗粒悬浮物的物理堵塞效应与机理的研究比较成熟,但对于中间颗粒,尤其是胶体颗粒物的堵塞作用机制的研究还相对比较薄弱;化学堵塞的机理复杂,影响因素众多,水文地球化学模拟技术在化学堵塞机理的研究中显示了良好的应用前景;生物堵塞主要由回灌水中细菌和藻类等微生物的繁殖和代谢导致,大量的研究集中在细菌方面,对藻类引起的堵塞问题研究尚不深入;多种堵塞的相互作用过程和作用机理是目前研究的难点问题。堵塞预测的方法主要包括3种:①指标法(如MFI、悬浮物浓度、浊度、AOC、BFR等),简单实用,但不能对堵塞演化过程进行描述或对堵塞程度进行定量表达;②经验公式法,受特定场地的条件限制,难以直接推广和利用;③解析公式法,对堵塞机理的表达更加科学、合理,但模型的建立与求解难度较大。通过合理的水质预处理技术和合理的回灌工艺,可以有效延迟堵塞发生的时间、减缓堵塞累积的程度。开发快速、高效、简单的堵塞处理技术对于延长工程使用寿命和降低经济成本具有重要的现实意义。     

Chemical and mechanical clogging of groundwater abstraction wells at well field Heel,the Netherlands

Well field Heel, in the south east of the Netherlands, consists of a row of wells drilled in an anoxic pyrite-containing aquifer alongside a former gravel pit, which now serves as a recharge basin, where water is actively aerated. All wells are seriously affected by chemical (screen slot) and/or mechanical (well bore) clogging. The objective of this study is to explain this combined occurrence. A combination of chemical, hydraulic and well-maintenance data indicate three groundwater quality types: (1) oxic basin water, (2) anoxic iron-containing basin water after oxidation of the traversed aquifer, and (3) deeply anoxic native groundwater. Wells abstracting a mixture of oxic basin water and anoxic basin water and/or native groundwater experience chemical well clogging, whereas wells abstracting (only or partly) native groundwater are vulnerable to mechanical well clogging. In the end, after oxic basin water has completely oxidized the traversed the aquifer, only two groundwater quality types will be present. Wells abstracting only oxic basin water will show no clogging, and wells abstracting a mixture of native groundwater and oxic basin water will experience chemical and possibly also mechanical well clogging. In this reasoning, the sequence in abstracted groundwater quality types coincides with a sequence in well clogging: from mechanical to chemical to no clogging. As well field Heel is situated in sloping terrain, the interplay between regional hydraulic gradient and different water qualities results in one-sided chemical clogging in the upper part of the well screen during abstraction, and in the lower part during the resting phase.     

Effects of rainwater-harvesting-induced artificial recharge on the groundwater of wells in Rajasthan, India

In light of the increasing deterioration of groundwater supplies in Rajasthan, India, rainwater harvesting practices in southern Rajasthan were studied to determine the effects of artificially recharged groundwater on the supply and quality of local groundwater. A physical and geochemical investigation utilizing environmental tracers (δ¹⁸O and Cl^–), groundwater level and groundwater quality measurements, and geological surveys was conducted with two objectives: (1) to quantify the proportion of artificially recharged groundwater in wells located near rainwater harvesting structures and (2) to examine potential effects of artificial recharge on the quality of groundwater in these wells. A geochemical mixing model revealed that the proportion of artificial recharge in these wells ranged from 0 to 75%. Groundwater tracer, water table, and geological data provided evidence of complex groundwater flow and were used to explain the spatial distribution of artificial recharge. Furthermore, wells receiving artificial recharge had improved groundwater quality. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the water quality in these wells and wells determined not to receive artificial recharge, for electrical conductivity and SO ₄ ^– . The findings from this study provide quantitative evidence that rainwater harvesting structures in southern Rajasthan influence the groundwater supply and quality of nearby wells by artificially recharging local groundwater.     

A thirty-year artificial recharge experiment in a coastal aquifer in an arid zone: The Teboulba aquifer system (Tunisian Sahel)

With the increased demand for groundwater resulting from fast demographic growth, accelerated urbanization, economic and agricultural activity diversification, and the increase of per capita consumption, ground water resources, in particular in coastal regions, remain relatively low, compared to demand. The groundwater quality and piezometric variations result mainly from intensive exploitation, agricultural activities and the intrusion of seawater. This phenomenon is observed mostly in semi-arid areas, such as the oriental Sahel of Tunisia, where an apparent reduction in rainfall in recent years can be seen. Groundwater becomes overexploited especially as its natural recharge by rainwater does not succeed in maintaining the hydrologic balance. The imbalance between water demand and resources induces the degradation of the water quality. In such a case, the artificial recharge of water-table aquifers by water from dams is a credible alternative to improve the hydrodynamic and physicochemical conditions of the groundwater. Like most coastal aquifers, the Teboulba water-table aquifer is threatened by overexploitation for at least three decades. This threat appears by a considerable piezometric level drop and by water salinisation, due to seawater intrusion. Given this alarming situation, since 1971, artificial recharge through wells with surface water from a dam was tested in order to restore the water levels and to improve water quality. The piezometric and chemical surveys of the Teboulba aquifer permitted one to describe the temporal and spatial piezometric and geochemical conditions of the aquifer and to show the effect of the artificial recharge. Indeed, the artificial recharge undertaken since 1971 made the geochemical and piezometric conditions of the Teboulba aquifer improve. This example is a rare, well-documented case-study of the benefits of artificial recharge in a coastal aquifer, over the long term.     

东营市城区地热储人工回灌条件及分区研究

地热水资源开发利用往往伴生诸多环境地质问题,人工回灌是解决这些问题的有效和重要手段。影响人工回灌效果的主要因素有地质构造复杂程度、回灌水源类型,热储厚度、渗透性能、储水能力,地热水头大小及溶气状况等。就东营市城区馆陶组、东营组地热水资源的人工回灌条件进行了论述,并利用综合方法开展了分区评价,划分出回灌条件好区、较好区、一般区和较差区。对该区地热水资源人工回灌的可行性进行了讨论,提出了建议。     

Use of remote sensing, GIS and groundwater monitoring to estimate artificial groundwater recharge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This study aims to estimate artificial recharge of groundwater by using remote sensing technology, geographical information systems, and groundwater surveys. This study is part of the King Fahd project for rainfall and runoff water harvesting, within the premises of Alilb Dam in Diriyah to the west of Riyadh. Digital elevation models were obtained with the help of aerial photography from the year 2007. These models were used to delineate watershed. Average rainfall was calculated using isoheytal method, and the area of each of the storage lakes was measured using SPOT 5 satellite images from 2007. Fluctuations in groundwater levels, evaporation, and infiltration rates were used to determine the water balance for the purpose of estimating of artificial recharge. Artificial recharge rates were found to surpass natural recharge from rainfall. Recharge wells caused a reduction in the effect of evaporation on storage lakes and helped in supplying water to the groundwater reservoir. Moreover, 80% and 86% of the rainwater was found to be available for artificial recharge in Alilb at 2005 and 2007, respectively. The study recommends the establishment of strategic projects for water storage using artificial recharge wells, an increase in the number of monitoring wells around the dams, and the monitoring of hydrochemical changes in groundwater both before and after the artificial recharge. It also recommends the erection of a weather station in the northwest of Wadi Hanifa.     

地热对井运行系统中回灌井堵塞原因浅析及预防措施

人工回灌做为提高地热资源利用率、防止地面沉降、减少尾水排放、实现地热资源的可持续利用的最有效手段,已在地学界达成共识。基岩岩溶裂隙型热储对井回灌取得的良好效果使人们看到了回灌技术的广阔应用前景,但有些热储尤其是孔隙型热储回灌量的衰减问题一直未能得到彻底解决,各种因素引起的堵塞是主要原因。本文根据天津市历年的回灌试验,就造成地热回灌堵塞的多种原因进行了分析,并提出了可能的解决办法。     

李家峪灰场2^#副坝区地下水运动数值模拟

李家峪灰场由于灰场灰水的渗漏致使储灰场周围出现地下水位上升,水质变差等一系列环境地质问题。从水文地质条件角度分析灰场堆灰形成新的地下水分水岭致使灰水在2^#副坝坝前垂直下渗进入风化带,沿白云岩裂隙（溶隙）补给潜水含水层,并向韩家哨村区域流动补给孔隙含水层,改变后的潜水部分通过民井向外排泄。本次研究运用地下水数值模拟软件对研究区的地下水位进行动态模拟和预测,为该地区地下水污染评价提供参考。     

人工回灌条件下多组分溶质的反应迁移模拟

人工回灌技术在我国水资源管理中占据重要地位,但是其实施对地下水环境质量也造成了较大的影响。如何保障人工回灌条件下地下水环境质量的安全稳定性,已成为人工回灌技术发展的瓶颈。以上海市某人工回灌试验场为例,结合试验场的地质、水文地质勘探结果,以TOUGHREACT为数值模拟平台,模拟预测人工回灌条件下地下水中多组分溶质的迁移转化过程。模拟结果表明：地下水化学成分主要受混合作用、阳离子交换吸附作用及含水层矿物相溶解-沉淀作用等影响;含水介质中石英、白云石、钾长石、钠长石及蒙脱石发生溶解,方解石发生沉淀,伊利石与高岭石则先溶解后沉淀,但各矿物相反应量极其微弱;按不同压力方案回灌,水位恢复速率随压力增大而加快,但地下水中化学成分变化趋势几乎不受压力影响。     

城市雨水地下回灌过程中悬浮物表面堵塞规律

雨洪资源地下回灌是缓解城市供水压力、解决地下水过量开采引起环境负效应的有效途径之一,但堵塞问题却是制约回灌技术推广的关键问题。基于前人理论,研究了入渗介质与悬浮物粒径中值之比(D₅₀/d₅₀)对堵塞层空间分布的影响。以建立表面堵塞预测模型为目的,利用城市雨水回灌细粒石英砂介质开展室内实验,观测雨水回灌的表面堵塞过程并获取渗透性变化的观测数据。根据物理、化学与生物堵塞的产生条件及堵塞特点,判断雨水回灌产生的堵塞性质为物理堵塞。引入过滤模型描述堵塞的发展过程,确定了模型用于模拟细砂表面堵塞的参数值：孔隙堵塞系数（α）为0.15 m²/kg,阻力增长系数（f′R′）为20 000 m/kg。在不改变以上2个参数值的条件下,用该模型模拟不同悬浮物粒径悬浊水回灌细粒石英砂的堵塞过程,取得了较好的拟合效果。此过滤模型可以用于模拟入渗介质与悬浮物粒径D₅₀/d₅₀值小于5的表面堵塞的发展过程,可定量预测堵塞对回灌速率的影响。     

北京岩溶水系统划分及特征分析

岩溶水是北京市重要的战略后备水源,在城市供水方面发挥了重大作用,岩溶水系统划分对于掌握岩溶水资源、合理开发利用岩溶水是至关重要的。本文结合地质构造、地形地貌、水文地质条件,考虑含水岩组的连续性、不同级别地表水分水岭、地质构造的水文地质性质,将北京地区划分为3个一级岩溶水系统、7个二级岩溶水系统、16个三级岩溶水系统。其中隐伏型岩溶水系统无裸露的可溶岩或零星分布,天然资源少,地下水径流方向主要受开采影响,与上覆孔隙水有密切的水力联系。山前型岩溶水系统可溶岩分布于山区和平原,岩溶水天然补给资源丰富,含水层厚度大、分布广,调蓄能力强,开发利用程度高,排泄区有明显的阻水边界,储水能力强。山区型岩溶水系统可溶岩分布于山区,地下水向河谷、低洼处径流,排泄速度快,储存能力差,开采井零星分布,开发利用程度低。     

潜水人工补给新方法

为了有效增加地下水资源可利用量,对潜水人工补给方法进行了创新。在分析地下滴灌技术、地下水人工补给方法的基础上,提出建设地下暗管式人工补给系统的具体思路,给出了稳定下渗状态下系统补给量的估算方法;并基于台兰河地下水库实际水文地质条件,计算了修建10 km入渗暗管时系统的补给量。对建设地下暗管式人工补给系统的优缺点、适用条件及其各构筑物的结构设计原理进行了初步探讨。结果表明:地下暗管式人工补给系统可以最大程度地减少表层土壤的含水量及陆面蒸发损失;同时,10 km入渗暗管仅从当年11月至翌年2月入渗水量便可达约220万m³,这可为地下水库人工补给提供有力保障。总之,地下暗管式人工补给系统是水资源高效利用的一种创新模式,对实现水资源合理配置,保障地区用水安全具有重要意义。     

大清河流域平原区地下水人工补给潜力与补给方式分析

为了有效提升大清河流域平原区地下水水位,亟需在此区域开展地下水人工补给工程,并确定合理的建设位置及有效的补给方式。首先基于研究区可利用补给水源、地下水位、地表高程、地表坡度及与河道距离5个指标的分布特征,构建地下水补给潜力评价体系,采用ArcGIS空间分析功能对研究区进行了地下水人工补给潜力区划;然后在此评价体系基础上,在典型人工补给高潜力区进一步开展系列野外现场试验,探讨适宜可行的地下水人工补给方式。结果表明：研究区西北部及南部河道附近区域开展人工补给工程潜力较高,而中部、北部及西南部远离河道的区域潜力较低。高潜力区——白沟引河地段包气带及含水层渗透性良好,整体渗透系数均在5 m/d左右或更高,适宜地表补给,但河床渗透性较差,渗透系数基本在0.01~0.09 m/d间,若通过河道补给需配合清淤等措施。其中,在上游及中游沿岸适宜将河道水通过生态水渠引至修建的地表入渗池或借助天然渗坑内入渗补给,在中下游沿岸区域适宜将补给水进行严格的水处理后采用井灌方式补给,在白沟引河中下游河道适宜修建拦水坝,利用河道进行入渗补给。     

Stormwater harvesting in ephemeral streams: how to bypass clogging and unsaturated layers

To cope with water scarcity in drylands, stormwater is often collected in surface basins and subsequently stored in shallow aquifers via infiltration. These stormwater harvesting systems are often accompanied by high evaporation rates and hygiene problems. This is commonly a consequence of low infiltration rates, which are caused by clogging layers that form on top of the soil profile and the presence of a thick vadose zone. The present study aims to develop a conceptual solution to increase groundwater recharge rates in stormwater harvesting systems. The efficiency of vadose-zone wells and infiltration trenches is tested using analytical equations, numerical models, and sensitivity analyses. Dams built in the channel of ephemeral streams (wadis) are selected as a study case to construct the numerical simulations. The modelling demonstrated that vadose-zone wells and infiltration trenches contribute to effective bypassing of the clogging layer. By implementing these solutions, recharge begins 2250–8100% faster than via infiltration from the bed surface of the wadi reservoir. The sensitivity analysis showed that the recharge rates are especially responsive to well length and trench depth. In terms of recharge quantity, the well had the best performance; it can infiltrate up to 1642% more water than the reservoir, and between 336 and 825% more than the trench. Moreover, the well can yield the highest cumulative recharge per dollar and high recharge rates when there are limitations to the available area. The methods investigated here significantly increased recharge rates, providing practical solutions to enhance aquifer water storage in drylands.

     

An innovative artificial recharge system to enhance groundwater storage in basaltic terrain: example from Maharashtra,India

The management of groundwater poses challenges in basaltic terrain as its availability is not uniform due to the absence of primary porosity. Indiscriminate excessive withdrawal from shallow as well as deep aquifers for meeting increased demand can be higher than natural recharge, causing imbalance in demand and supply and leading to a scarcity condition. An innovative artificial recharge system has been conceived and implemented to augment the groundwater sources at the villages of Saoli and Sastabad in Wardha district of Maharashtra, India. The scheme involves resectioning of a stream bed to achieve a reverse gradient, building a subsurface dam to arrest subsurface flow, and installation of recharge shafts to recharge the deeper aquifers. The paper focuses on analysis of hydrogeological parameters like porosity, specific yield and transmissivity, and on temporal groundwater status. Results indicate that after the construction of the artificial recharge system, a rise of 0.8–2.8 m was recorded in the pre- and post-monsoon groundwater levels in 12 dug wells in the study area; an increase in the yield was also noticed which solved the drinking water and irrigation problems. Spatial analysis was performed using a geographic information system to demarcate the area of influence of the recharge system due to increase in yields of the wells. The study demonstrates efficacy, technical viability and applicability of an innovative artificial recharge system constructed in an area of basaltic terrain prone to water scarcity.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Development prospects of groundwater resources in an elliptical shape island,Union Territory of Lakshadweep,India

A major problem of the islanders is the availability of fresh water for drinking purpose. Groundwater is the only source of fresh water for the islanders. The demand for groundwater is increasing very year due to growing population and urbanization. A proper understanding of the groundwater condition is important in order to meet this increasing demand and to formulate future development and management strategies. It is in this context, principal hydrogeologic units; water table fluctuation pattern, general groundwater potential, existing groundwater withdrawal structures and draft, water quality, etc. have been studied in an elliptical shape Andrott Island of Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India, through field investigation and secondary data collection. Groundwater occurs under phreatic condition and seawater is in hydraulic continuity with the groundwater as evidenced by the tidal influence in almost all the wells. Groundwater level fluctuation due to seasonal variation varies from 0 to 0.542 m depending on the distance of the well from the coast. Depth to groundwater level varies from less than 1.234 to 3.520 m depending on the topography. Groundwater level fluctuation is due to the combination of factors like rainfall, tidal activities, sub-surface runoff, and draft. Large diameter dug wells are the main groundwater extraction structures in this island. There are 2,143 dug wells with almost each family having its own well and the density of the dug wells is about 437/km². The stage of groundwater development is estimated as 37% and hence “Safe” for further groundwater development in this island. However, considering the very limited fresh-water resources and also the growing demand for groundwater, various management strategies such as rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge of groundwater, public participation in water conservation and wise use of groundwater, etc., have been suggested.     

Hydrogeological investigation of groundwater artificial recharge by treated wastewater in semi-arid regions: Korba aquifer (Cap-Bon Tunisia)

Korba aquifer is one of the most typical examples of overexploited coastal aquifer in the Mediterranean countries. In fact, from 1985, a considerable piezometric level drop, water salinization, and seawater intrusion were registered in the aquifer. In December 2008, Tunisian authorities initiated a general plan to groundwater management in order to augment groundwater resources, restore the piezometric levels, and improve water quality. The plan consists of artificial recharge of groundwater used treated wastewater through three infiltration basins. During the first 4 years (from December 2008 to December 2012), 1.41 Mm³ of treated wastewater was injected to the Korba aquifer. This study presents a hydrogeological assessment of groundwater evolution during the recharge processes. In this study, 32 piezometric and chemical surveys of 70 piezometers and observed wells are used to present hydrogeological investigation and water quality evolution of wastewater reuse through artificial recharge in Korba coastal aquifer. The piezometric evolution maps are used to specify the positive effect in groundwater level that exceeding 1.5 m in some regions. The interpretation of salinity evolution maps are used to indicate the improving of groundwater quality.     

Impacts of a large Sahelian city on groundwater hydrodynamics and quality: example of Niamey (Niger)

The management of groundwater resources is very important in the semiarid Sahel region, which is experiencing rapid urban development. Impacts of urbanization on groundwater resources were investigated in the unconfined aquifer of the Continental Terminal beneath the city of Niamey, Niger, using water level and chemical data. Hydrodynamic and chemical changes are best described by a combination of factors including the historical development of the city, current land use, water-table depth and topography. Seasonal groundwater recharge occurs with high spatial variability, as indicated by water-level monitoring in all wells, but there was no interannual trend over the 5-year study period. Groundwater salinity shows high spatial variability and a minor rising trend. The highest salinity is in the old city centre, with Na–NO₃ dominant, and it increases seasonally with recharge. Salinity is much lower and more variable in the suburbs (Ca–HCO₃, Ca–NO₃, and Na–NO₃ dominant). Nitrate is the main ionic contaminant and is seasonally or permanently above the international guidelines for drinking water quality in 36 % of sampled wells, with a peak value of 112 mg L^?1 NO₃–N (8 meq L^?1). Comparison of urban and rural sites indicates a long-term increase in groundwater recharge and nitrate enrichment in the urban area with serious implications for groundwater management in the region.