Recharge Enhancement:
Managed Aquifer Recharge
Recharge enhancement means intentionally returning excess surface water (stormwater, treated effluent, or captured runoff) to an aquifer to increase groundwater storage and improve drought resilience. Methods include infiltration basins, engineered channels, and Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) wells.
Common Recharge Enhancement Techniques
Grassed Waterways
Shaped channels lined with vegetation that slow rainfall runoff and encourage infiltration.
Check Dams
Small barriers placed in drainage ways that slow water, spread it out, and increase soak-in time.
Rangeland Restoration
Improving soil health and perennial vegetation so the land absorbs more rainfall.
Recharge Basins
Engineered shallow basins that temporarily hold stormwater, letting it soak in instead of running off.
Recharge in Three Steps
Rainfall
Rainwater hits the land surface and begins to move across or into the soil.
Infiltration
Healthy Soil and vegetation improve the land’s ability to absorb water.
Recharge
Water moves downward into the aquifer, replenishing groundwater supplies.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery
As the population of Texas continues to grow, water planners are challenged to meet the ensuing increase in water demand. One of the most promising methods of creating a new water supply is called ASR, which stands for Aquifer Recharge and Recovery. ASR is a water management technique that involves injecting surface water runoff back into our depleting aquifers. Surface water run-off during the rainy season is the primary source of re-injectable water; however, treated wastewater can also be used as a source of re-injectable water.
Why ASR is Being Studied
ASR is an innovative water management strategy that could help Texas meet future water demands. As development alters natural recharge areas and diverts surface water, aquifers are receiving less water, threatening their sustainability as viable water sources.
How ASR Compares to New reservoirs
Building reservoirs requires significant land and time (30-40 years) and incurs costs, while also facing challenges such as evaporation and silting. In contrast, Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) avoids these issues.
ASR in texas
ASR is used in many states across our nation; however, there are currently only three ASR facilities in Texas. Lawmakers are working to make Texas law more conducive to the use of ASR.
Learn more about ASR here:
Note: MTGCD does not conduct ASR. This section is provided for educational purposes.