Tapping into underground water solutions

National Water Commissioner Chris Davis has released a Waterlines report on Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) to advance the uptake of this water supply and treatment process.

"At a time when we need to look to new ways to secure our water supplies, managed aquifer recharge is an increasingly valuable option within our water supply portfolio," Davis said.

MAR involves the deliberate addition of an existing water source to underground aquifers under controlled conditions. The stored water can later be withdrawn and used for purposes such as irrigating parks and ovals.

MAR can provide storage for desalinated seawater, recycled water, excess stormwater and even mains water. Schemes using this process can cut transportation and infrastructure costs, reduce water loss from evaporation, improve water quality and alleviate flood problems.

MAR is being used at varying scales and in different forms around Australia, from backyard systems to large-scale augmentation of drinking water supplies.

The recent development of Australian Guidelines for Managed Aquifer Recharge will ensure that MAR schemes can be established without compromising public health or the environment.

"In Australia in 2008, MAR contributed 45 gigalitres to irrigation supplies and 7 gigalitres to urban water supplies," Davis said.

Releasing the report in conjunction with a National Water Commission meeting in Canberra, Davis said: "The report also highlights barriers to the wider adoption of MAR. These include lack of certainty around rights and entitlements, and the need for clear and nationally consistent assessment and approval approaches."

The Managed Aquifer Recharge Waterlines report was produced by CSIRO and funded under the Australian government’s Raising National Water Standards Program. The commission is also investing in projects to improve understanding of MAR and its possible applications in water scarce regions.