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Implementation and Preliminary Data from the U.S. EPA MAR site in the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer in Oklahoma
Citation:
Beak, D., R. Ross, J. Fields, L. Rhea, C. Clark, R. Neill, AND J. Groves. Implementation and Preliminary Data from the U.S. EPA MAR site in the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer in Oklahoma. Managed Aquifer Recharge: Unleashing Resiliency, Protecting Groundwater Quality, San Antonio, TX, April 24 - 25, 2023.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation will inform NGWA members of EPA research into MAR and show some preliminary results of the study.
Description:
Climate change has created a need for increased and innovated means for the management of water and augmentation of groundwater supply in areas that are susceptible to drought as well as other climate related problems such as saltwater intrusion. This will create an enhanced reliance on groundwater resources and there is a finite capacity for the utilization of groundwater in many areas. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is one potential means to capture water (stormwater, wastewater, etc.) and use the captured water to increase groundwater supply. In a review report, U.S. EPA (2021), identified several research gaps that need to be investigated for successful MAR implementation. Simultaneously, U.S. EPA in 2021, initiated a MAR study in the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer to address several of the research gaps identified in the report. The Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer is designated as a sole source aquifer and is the only reliable water supply for much of south-central Oklahoma. The study location is approximately 1 mile southeast of Byrds Mill Spring (the largest spring in Oklahoma) near Fittstown, OK and is the primary source of water for the City of Ada, OK. The goals of this EPA research are to understand the fate and transport of contaminants as well as potential impacts to water quality MAR could have. Another goal of this research effort is to demonstrate the use of geophysical tools to understand the movement of water in an EAR system in a karst (fractured rock) environment. Lastly, this study will demonstrate the types of characterization and monitoring that will be needed for successful MAR implementation and operation. The presentation will present preliminary findings from this research.