ABSTRACT
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the feasibility of operating a 8.6 Mm3/yr artificial groundwater recharge facility at a pre-selected site in the Black Squirrel Creek alluvial basin east of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The facility would recharge treated effluent to the alluvial aquifer, which would augment natural recharge and allow the Cherokee Metropolitan District to increase well production capacity. The feasibility investigation evaluated the geology, hydrogeology, and recharge potential of the alluvial aquifer. A pilot study program is being developed that will utilize engineered infiltration basins to evaluate basin clogging, development and spreading of recharge mounds, seasonal effects, and groundwater chemistry changes. In addition, a numerical model will be developed and calibrated to further evaluate recharge potential, refine locations of recharge facilities, and evaluate recharge recovery alternatives.
