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Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (EAR): Potential Impacts to Groundwater - OKI
Citation:
Beak, D., R. Ross, J. Fields, T. Tandy, J. Groves, AND R. Neill. Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (EAR): Potential Impacts to Groundwater - OKI. OKI Groundwater Meeting, NA, Virtual, December 15, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation will inform OKI members of the long-term research of EAR systems and research to date 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 passive 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, Byrd’s Mill Spring is located near the EAR site. Therefore, Byrd’s Mill Spring 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 an overview of the research and initial results.