Web-based global inventory of managed aquifer recharge applications

Suitability maps for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) are increasingly used and hold the potential to be integrated into sustainable groundwater management plans. However, the quality of the maps strongly depends on the input data quality as well as the expertise of the decision-maker. The maps are commonly derived through GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA). To date, there is no common understanding of how suitability mapping should be conducted, as there is considerable variability concerning used GIS data and MCDA methodology. This study presents two web-tools that were conceptualized based on a review of GIS-MCDA studies in the context of MAR suitability mapping. The data retrieved from the review was compiled into a web-based query tool making the MAR- and MCDA-relevant information easily accessible. Based on the most commonly used MCDA practices in the assessed studies, we conceptualized and implemented a second web tool that comprises a simplified web GIS as well as supporting tools for weight assignment and standardization of the criteria. Both web tools will enable decision-makers to engage in MCDA for MAR mapping in a more structured and informed way. As the tools are open-source and web-based, they can facilitate the collaboration between multiple stakeholders and the easy sharing of results.

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Suitability maps for managed aquifer recharge: a review of multi-criteria decision analysis studies

Environmental Reviews ◽

10.1139/er-2018-0069 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 138-150 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jana Sallwey ◽

José Pablo Bonilla Valverde ◽

Felipe Vásquez López ◽

Ralf Junghanns ◽

Catalin Stefan

Keyword(s):

Decision Analysis ◽

Managed Aquifer Recharge ◽

Specific Information ◽

Aquifer Recharge ◽

Web Based ◽

Multi Criteria Decision Analysis ◽

Management Plans ◽

Query Tool ◽

Suitability Maps ◽

User Friendly

Suitability maps for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) sites hold a strong potential for integration into sustainable groundwater management plans. An uprising method to identify sites suitable for MAR implementation is geographic information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). There are no guidelines or a common understanding on how suitability mapping should be conducted, and there is considerable variability as to what factors are assessed and how they are weighted. To increase knowledge on GIS-MCDA, a database has been built based on 63 studies applying GIS-MCDA in the context of MAR site selection. Information on the criteria, assigned weights, and methodologies has been retrieved from the documents. Statistical analysis of the database depicts the current state of art for suitability mapping methodologies as well as specific information for the different recharge methods. We further incorporated the compiled information into a web-based query tool that makes the information easily accessible and the utilization of the database more user friendly. This review as well as the created web-tool will help planners of MAR sites to engage in the MCDA in a more structured way by referring to previously conducted studies and by finding information suitable for their specific project. The application potential of suitability maps is discussed along with the shortcomings of this methodology.

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Geohydraulic conditions and post-treatment at riverbank filtration sites in Eastern Europe

Baltica ◽

10.5200/baltica.2020.1.9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 97-108 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Roksana Kruć ◽

Krzysztof Dragon ◽

Józef Górski ◽

Zsuzsanna Nagy-Kovács ◽

Thomas Grischek

Keyword(s):

Hydraulic Conductivity ◽

Eastern Europe ◽

Discharge Capacity ◽

Managed Aquifer Recharge ◽

Post Treatment ◽

Riverbank Filtration ◽

Aquifer Recharge ◽

Treatment Data ◽

Water Companies ◽

Global Inventory

Managed aquifer recharge is gaining in importance worldwide. As there is not much information on bank filtration (BF) sites in Eastern Europe, a survey of geohydraulic conditions and post-treatment schemes carried out. Such information will make it possible to assess hydraulic conditions in the region and the commonly required post-treatment. Data were collected from publications, archival documentations, maps as well as through direct communication with administrators of relevant water companies. As a result, a summary of the data from 71 BF or BF/artificial recharge (AR) well fields in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia was prepared. Data on the source of water, location, capacity, aquifer thickness and hydraulic conductivity, and treatment methods were collected. Thirteen of the studied 71 RBF well fields are combined with AR. The most common type of BF in Eastern Europe is riverbank filtration (RBF) with wells located along a river. 56% of the analyzed sites are located along larger rivers such as the Danube, Drava, Nemunas, Neris, Odra, Volga, Warta and the Wisła. The smallest BF site has a discharge capacity of only 38 m3/day, the largest BF site 210,000 m3/day, while the smallest and the largest combined BF/AR site has a discharge capacity of 5,500 m3/day and 150,000 m3/day, respectively. The average values of aquifer thickness and hydraulic conductivity are 21 m and 2.7*10-3 m/s, respectively, at BF sites and 16 m and 5.7*10-4 m/s, respectively, at BF/AR sites. The most common post-treatment steps include aeration-filtration – disinfection, UV, ozone and activated carbon being used at many sites as well. The collected data can prove helpful in designing and modernizing BF sites, comparing and establishing direct contacts with water companies facing similar conditions. The outcome of this study is the built-up BF database for Eastern Europe, which can supplement the Global Inventory of Managed Aquifer Recharge Schemes (IGRAC 2017)

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