Aquifer storage and recharge: innovation in water resources management

Stormwater and treated sewerage effluent, previously regarded as waste, are now being reused in South Australia through the innovative aquifer storage and recharge technique. After pretreatment in wetlands, this water is stor ed in otherwise unused brackish aquifers for summer irrigation of parklands . Trials are underway using recycled water from the Bolivar Wastewater Trea tment Plant for irrigation of market gardens. This paper presents several c ase studies where the aquifer storage and recharge technique has been succe ssful, with savings in water and infrastructure costs, as well as providing environmental benefits.