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Oklahoma Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (EAR) Project
Citation:
Beak, D., R. Ross, J. Fields, J. Groves, R. Neill, T. Tandy, C. Clark, AND L. Rhea. Oklahoma Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (EAR) Project. GWPC ASR-MAR Webinar, NA, Virtual, April 19, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
This webinar will inform EPA staff, EPA policymakers, and external stakeholders’ of the types of sampling, sampling parameters, and potential issues with the implementation of long-term research of EAR systems and research in a rural karst setting.
Description:
Enhanced Aquifer Recovery (EAR) conveys stormwater runoff or treated wastewater into the subsurface for storage, potential reuse, and augment water supplies. In this research effort the infiltration of stormwater runoff will be examined. The potential impacts to groundwater quality from the use of EAR are poorly understood. This research will examine any potential changes to groundwater chemistry and quality by sampling all potential inputs to groundwater: precipitation, runoff, surface water, and natural recharge through the soil and vadose zone. The groundwater will also be monitored in the shallow, intermediate and deep groundwater flow systems from wells and local springs. In addition, the city of Ada, OK water supply is located near the EAR site. Therefore, Byrd’s Mill Spring and the production wells will be monitored for groundwater changes that might occur. One of the goals of this EPA research is to understand the fate and transport of contaminants as well as potential impacts to groundwater chemistry/quality using EAR. This presentation will present initial monitoring network, and preliminary findings from this research as well as potential future monitoring needs.