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<br />Artificial Recharge of Ground Water in Colorado <br />A Statewide Assessment <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />II <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />III. Objectives of Artificial Recharge <br /> <br />Although the basic concept of AR is simple - purposefully filling void spaces in earth materials <br />with water - the applications vary considerably depending on the objective. The applications are <br />quite versatile given the many options of geologic environment, source of water, and intended <br />use ofthe stored water. The intended use of the stored water is a primary consideration in the <br />planning of AR facilities. The technology, location, design, permit requirements, and operation <br />of an AR system are dependent upon the primary water management objective(s). Clearly <br />defining the objectives of an AR project is a prerequisite to its initiation. <br /> <br />Most AR applications are for seasonal, long-term, or emergency storage of drinking water <br />supplies. Recent interest in AR in Colorado evolved from several factors, including the 2002 <br />drought, water supply security issues since 9/11/2002, limited ability to construct new surface- <br />water reservoirs, the need for additional water supplies for new developments, documented <br />declines in the potentiometric head of many aquifers, and legislative funding opportunities for <br />new projects. In addition to storing water, AR projects can influence water quality, <br />environmental impacts, water system operations and capital costs, ground-water levels, and <br />agricultural water supplies. <br /> <br />The objectives of most AR applications fall into anyone, or a combination of, the categories <br />listed below and shown in Figure III-I. These categories have been compiled from literature <br />and cover a wide spectrum of possible objectives, some of which may not apply to Colorado <br />(e.g., mitigate saltwater intrusion). Furthermore, the categories listed below can overlap such <br />that any given AR project may meet several objectives. For example, an AR application may be <br />primarily designed for short-term, seasonal storage, but may also improve surface and/or ground- <br />water quality. The potential for meeting multiple objectives demonstrates the versatility of AR. <br /> <br />7 <br />