A review on risk assessment in managed aquifer recharge

Abstract

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) refers to a suite of methods that is increasingly being applied worldwide for sustainable groundwater management to tackle drinking or irrigation water shortage or to restore and maintain groundwater ecosystems. The potential for MAR is far from being exhausted, not only due to geological and hydrogeological conditions or technical and economic feasibility but also due to its lack of acceptance by the public and policymakers. One approach to enable the safe and accepted use of MAR could be to provide comprehensive risk management, including the identification, analysis, and evaluation of potential risks related to MAR. This article reviews current MAR risk assessment methodologies and guidelines and summarizes possible hazards and related processes. It may help planners and operators select the appropriate MAR risk assessment approaches and support the risk identification process. In addition to risk assessment (and subsequent risk treatment) related to the MAR implementation phase, this review also addresses risk assessment for MAR operation. We also highlight the limitations and lessons learned from the application and development of risk assessment methodologies. Moreover, developments are recommended in the area of MAR-related risk assessment methodologies and regulation. Depending on data availability, collected methodologies may be applicable for MAR sites worldwide. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;00:1-17.

Supplementary material to "Technical assessment combined with extended cost-benefit analysis for groundwater ecosystem services restoration – An application for Grand Bahama"

“…Potential risks were identified for rooftop rainwater harvesting with drain trenches on Grand Bahama, based on a summary in Imig et al (2022). Further, the risks were ranked according to the stage of MAR implementation into risks occurring in the planning phase, in the catchment of the water source, during MAR operation (infiltration, storage and recovery), or during distribution and final use (Table S3-S6).…”

Monitored and Intentional Recharge (MIR): A Model for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Guideline and Regulation Formulation

“…Very few countries and organizations have moved forward with normative bodies concerning MAR directly or indirectly compared to the number of countries where MAR systems are already operating [28][29][30][31][32].…”

“…A safe routine for conducting MAR is adopting a risk management approach, which involves evaluating and controlling risk to acceptable levels [31,92]. The MIR conceptual model suggests monitoring a series of risks subdivided into two major groups, namely "design and construction" and "operation" (including management or joint management of the recharge storage (aquifer) and the water supply.…”