Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2008GA176B

Modeling Water Quality Changes in Aquifer Storage Recovery Systems

Institute: Georgia
Year Established: 2008 Start Date: 2008-03-01 End Date: 2009-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $18,375 Total Non-Federal Funds: $36,783

Principal Investigators:

Project Summary: The State Water Plan of Georgia specifies surface storage, interbasin transfer, and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) as three main water supply management practices. For ASR, the Plan has directed the Environmental Protection Division to assess its viability as an option for water supply. ASR is one of the many options of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) that also includes riverbank filtration, infiltration ponds, rainwater harvesting. ASR systems inject potable drinking water as well as reclaimed water into aquifers during periods of low demand or in periods of excess surface water flows. Then, the stored water is pumped for potable use in periods of high demand. ASR systems, like other MAR systems have the potential to remove contaminants such as pathogens, dissolved organic carbon, and disinfection byproducts (DBPs). In some instances, injection of oxygen- and nutrient-rich water into anaerobic aquifers has caused the dissolution of trace elements. Also, the injection of chlorinated water has caused enhanced formation of DBPs. With the current drought situation and as per the outlines of the State Water Plan, pilot and full-scale testing of ASR systems is expected to take place at least in a limited scale in Georgia. Before actual implementation or testing, preliminary modeling exercises, as outlined in this proposal will elucidate the complexities involved in the ASR process. Effect of injectant temperature, oxygen and dissolved organic carbon levels on the dissolution of trace minerals in aquifers at potential ASR sites will be the focus of this study.