ABSTRACT
Aquifer storage recovery is a technology for storing large water volumes underground through wells during times when it is available and recovering this water from the same wells when needed to meet peak, emergency, long-term storage or other needs. Twenty-seven ASR systems are operational in twelve states within the United States, with about 50 more in various stages of development. Recovery capacities range from 2 Ml/d to over 400 Ml/d, storing fresh water in fresh, brackish and other non-potable aquifers at depths up to 900 m and at construction costs typically less than half those of other water supply alternatives. Six of the operating sites now have over 10 years of operating experience, providing a basis for evaluation of their long-term performance. With the success of these potable water ASR systems, many new sites are being developed for storage of drinking water and also high quality water from other sources, including surface water, groundwater from different aquifers, and reclaimed wastewater.
