Conference Papers | 2009 Conference Papers

AQUIFER STORAGE AND RECOVERY A NEW RESOURCE

Gwyn Hatton, Planning Officer, Barwon Water

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ABSTRACT

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the controlled infiltration or injection of water into an aquifer. Infiltration methods can include infiltration ponds or trenches and a variety of other types of infiltration techniques, whereas injection is carried out using a bore (injection well) or series of bores.

Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) is a type of MAR, whereby water is injected via a well during times when water is available, and recovery of the water from the same well during times when it is needed. Generally, injected water is stored in the aquifer for a period of time before being recovered again.

ASR has the potential to enable the better utilisation of water resources that are currently under-utilised such as storm water and recycled water. Subject to suitable geology, ASR can provide large volumes of storage with small surface infrastructure footprints. Barwon Water is investigating the use of ASR for water storage and has programs in place to assess the viability of aquifers in the Anglesea area over the next 2 years, along with studies into aquifers closer to Geelong for this purpose. Barwon Water sees ASR as a way of increasing the flexibility of supply options as part of an overall water supply strategy for the region.