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Estimating potential costs and gains from an aquifer storage and recovery program in Australia

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  • Khan, Shahbaz
  • Mushtaq, Shahbaz
  • Hanjra, Munir A.
  • Schaeffer, Jürgen

Abstract

Artificial recharge of aquifer storage can provide water during drought periods, reverse falling groundwater levels and reduce water losses associated with leakage and evaporation, as compared with surface water storage. We examine the technical and economic potential of artificial storage and recovery for drought mitigation in the Murrumbidgee Region of New South Wales, Australia. Potential locations for infiltration basins and injection/recovery wells are identified according to criteria such as water availability, aquifer suitability, recharge potential, and potential to provide a usable resource. The estimated annual artificial recharge potential is 180,000 mL through a combination of injection wells and infiltration basins. The cost estimates for artificial recharge vary from AU$ 62 mL-1 to AU$ 174 mL-1 depending on the choice of recharge method. Underground storage capacity can be developed at less than half the cost of surface storage facilities without undesirable environmental consequences or evaporation losses. The estimated benefits of artificial storage and recovery through infiltration basins are three to seven times the costs, during low allocation years.

Suggested Citation

  • Khan, Shahbaz & Mushtaq, Shahbaz & Hanjra, Munir A. & Schaeffer, Jürgen, 2008. "Estimating potential costs and gains from an aquifer storage and recovery program in Australia," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 95(4), pages 477-488, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:95:y:2008:i:4:p:477-488
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Zekri, S., 2018. "Optimizing aquifer recharge and recovery using seasonal surplus desalinated water," 2018 Conference, July 28-August 2, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia 276946, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
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    10. Abdulaziz Alqahtani & Tom Sale & Michael J. Ronayne & Courtney Hemenway, 2021. "Demonstration of Sustainable Development of Groundwater through Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 35(2), pages 429-445, January.
    11. Cody R. Saville & Gretchen R. Miller & Kelly Brumbelow, 2016. "Using Envision to Assess the Sustainability of Groundwater Infrastructure: A Case Study of the Twin Oaks Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(5), pages 1-15, May.

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