Artifical Recharge of Ground Water in Colorado

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Artificial Recharge of Ground Water in Colorado A Statewide Assessment III. Objectives of Artificial Recharge Although the basic concept of AR is simple — purposefully filling void spaces in earth materials with water— the applications vary considerably depending on the objective. The applications are quite versatile given the many options of geologic environment, source of water, and intended use of the stored water. The intended use of the stored water is a primary consideration in the planning of AR facilities. The technology, location, design, permit requirements, and operation of an AR system are dependent upon the primary water management objective(s). Clearly defining the objectives of an AR project is a prerequisite to its initiation. Most AR applications are for seasonal, long -term, or emergency storage of drinking water supplies. Recent interest in AR in Colorado evolved from several factors, including the 2002 drought, water supply security issues since 9/11/2001, limited ability to construct new surface - water reservoirs, the need for additional water supplies for new developments, documented declines in the potentiometric head of many aquifers, and legislative funding opportunities for new projects. In addition to storing water, AR projects can influence water quality, environmental impacts, water system operations and capital costs, ground -water levels, and agricultural water supplies. The objectives of most AR applications fall into any one, or a combination of, the categories listed below and shown in Figure III -1. These categories have been compiled from literature and cover a wide spectrum of possible objectives, some of which may not apply to Colorado (e.g., mitigate saltwater intrusion). Furthermore, the categories listed below can overlap such that any given AR project may meet several objectives. For example, an AR application may be primarily designed for short-term, seasonal storage, but may also improve surface and /or ground- water quality. The potential for meeting multiple objectives demonstrates the versatility of AR. Manage Meet Legal Water Supply 1 1 Obligations Supply Augmentation/ Regulation Replace Depletions Seasonal Storage Supplement Long -Term Downstream Storage Water Rights Emergency Interstate Supply Agreements Conjunctive Use Manage Water Quality Surface Water Quality Improvement Ground Water Quality Improvement Disinfection By- product Reduction Waste Water Disposal Aquifer Restoration Restore Water Levels Reduce Subsidence Environmental Protection Endangered Species Habitat Wetland Maintenance Saltwater II Contaminant Intrusion Plume Control Figure 111 -1. Objectives of artificial recharge. Artificial recharge projects may meet one or more objectives including water supply management, meeting water delivery obligations, management of water quality, aquifer restoration, and environmental protection. 7