Monitored and Intentional Recharge (MIR): A Model for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Guideline and Regulation Formulation

Abstract

Guidelines and regulatory frameworks for conducting managed aquifer recharge (MAR) are scarce worldwide compared to the countries where MAR projects operate. At the same time, guidelines and regulations are crucial to implementing MAR activities safely, respecting human health and the environment, and guaranteeing the sustainability of the intentional recharge. The present study aims to provide a conceptual model comprising the minimum elements to consider when drafting guiding and normative MAR documents. To this end, aspects discussed in nine guidelines were evaluated through a score that allowed their significance to be assessed. The authors also reviewed 22 regulations, guidelines, or MAR site operation rules to construct the monitored and intentional recharge (MIR) conceptual model. This effort was enhanced by active participation in the real drafting of two national regulating documents for MAR. The evaluation of aspects in the documents showed the importance of water reuse and risk and impact assessment. The MIR conceptual model comprises nine blocks that summarize the most important aspects to consider. This conceptual model, which guides MAR regulations in two countries, has great potential for application in different sites under diverse contexts.

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“…However, the transport of contaminants from the infiltration zone into the aquifer could result in the occurrence of aquifer contamination. Operational parameters such as the quality of the water source, the flow into the recharge system, and the thickness and composition of the vadose zone play a determinant role in the fate and behavior of contaminants during SAT and therefore in the quality of the recharged water reaching the aquifer [25][26][27]. PhACs behave very differently from each other during SAT.…”

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“…During the same period, an average drawdown of 1 m year −1 was observed in several parts of the aquifer [42]. In 1995, the LAA was officially declared provisionally over-exploited [42]. Since at least 1972, groundwater levels in the LAA showed a tremendous decline due to massive irrigation abstractions, which in 2002 translated into a total groundwater level drop of 30 m at the municipality of Madrigal de las Altas Torres (located in the central part of MCGB) and 27 m near the municipality of Mojados (Figure 2) (located in northern LA, groundwater monitoring station 1, Figure 1).…”

“…Since at least 1972, groundwater levels in the LAA showed a tremendous decline due to massive irrigation abstractions, which in 2002 translated into a total groundwater level drop of 30 m at the municipality of Madrigal de las Altas Torres (located in the central part of MCGB) and 27 m near the municipality of Mojados (Figure 2) (located in northern LA, groundwater monitoring station 1, Figure 1). During the same period, an average drawdown of 1 m year −1 was observed in several parts of the aquifer [42]. In 1995, the LAA was officially declared provisionally over-exploited [42].…”

“…During the same period, an average drawdown of 1 m year −1 was observed in several parts of the aquifer [42]. In 1995, the LAA was officially declared provisionally over-exploited [42]. The LAA comprises two aquifer systems.…”

“…During the same period, an average drawdown of 1 m year −1 was observed in several parts of the aquifer [42]. In 1995, the LAA was officially declared provisionally over-exploited [42]. This critical situation posed a significant risk to the region's economy, which is strongly linked to agriculture and irrigation.…”