Managed Aquifer Recharge

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is used for storing excess surface water underground, when available, for extraction and use at a later time. The extracted water can be used for irrigation or water supply purposes. MAR projects are used as an alternative to surface water storages, particularly in urban or horticultural settings where land availability is limited. MAR is increasingly being used to improve water supply security where the pattern of supply does not fit the pattern of demand.

Water used for MAR can come from a variety of sources, with two common sources being stormwater and treated wastewater. The AWE Groundwater team have ongoing experience in the design, permitting, construction supervision and operation of MAR bores and associated monitoring networks, the NRM team have experience in designing wetlands to improve water quality prior to injection, and the wastewater team have experience in headworks design and injection control systems.