Water Well Journal
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/655200
is due to good water conservation and more efficient practices, including the use of reclaimed, or recycled, water. Today, the average total water use is about 800 million gal- lons per day. It is estimated the CFWI planning area will need approximately 300 mgd of additional water supplies by 2035. About 50 mgd of additional fresh groundwater can be made available through management strategies such as changes to wellfield operations and increases in aquifer recharge. The remaining 250 mgd will have to be met through expanded water conservation and other alternative sources. A total of 150 potential projects—more than enough to meet the region's 250 mgd increase—were identified through- out its plan development process in 2014. Aquifer storage and recovery will have its part to play among some of these projects. Aquifer Storage and Recovery Florida has 29 active aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) facilities, ranging from a single well to 21 wells, according to Joe Haberfeld, PG, administrator, Aquifer Protection Program, for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in Tallahassee. The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Author- ity ASR system in southwest Florida is the largest wellfield in the state with a combined recovery capacity of 10 to 20 mgd. ASR is a mechanism made for storing water underground through an injection well to be withdrawn in the future. Water is typically stored in reservoirs during times of excess supply for use when supplies are limited. However, natural evapora- tion and limited capacity during heavy rainfall limit the ability to efficiently store excess water, Haberfeld says. ASR wells are capable of storing treated drinking water as well as groundwater, reclaimed water, or surface water. "The level of treatment required after storage depends on the use of the water," Haberfeld says, "whether for public consumption, surface water augmentation, wetlands enhance- ment, irrigation, saltwater intrusion barrier, etc. Because ASR provides for the storage of water that would otherwise be lost to tide or evaporation, it represents a crucial water supply management strategy for Florida's future." Public health protection is provided by local ordinances, deed restrictions, easements, and other methods to prevent access to groundwater in the vicinity of the ASR projects by other parties. Water utilities are required to meet appropriate water qual- ity standards prior to distribution of recovered water from recharged aquifers. Florida's water utilities are showing increased interest in the use of ASR to supplement their water supplies and preserve Florida's groundwater. Partridge has heard much about ASR projects in the state but not seen any requests for proposals come across his desk. Then again, the threat of a water shortage is not as pressing as it is in central Florida. A sixth-generation well driller, the 29-year-old Partridge is devoted to doing what he can to help protect the Floridan aquifer system and move the industry forward in his state. The FGWA Annual Convention & Trade Show in May will include workshop sessions on water well construction compliance and enforcement as well as a water management district panel discussion. "There is a lot of information out there, both good and bad. What may be true in a certain region of the Floridan aquifer system may not be true in another area," says Partridge, who also serves on the National Ground Water Association Board of Directors. "Associations like the Florida and National Ground Water Association can help craft a unified message while keeping in perspective the unique challenges of each region. It's impor- tant for professionals like the licensed drilling contractors who work with the Floridan aquifer system every day to be a big part of the effort to protect and promote the responsible use of this resource." WWJ AQUIFERS from page 19 As many states expect continued drought in 2016 and beyond, the management of aquifers will be increasingly important. The National Ground Water Association suggests one poten- tial tool to help provide for water when it is needed is called managed aquifer recharge (MAR), otherwise known as aquifer storage and recovery. MAR captures available water during wet periods, during periods of low demand, or water that would be lost otherwise—then moves this water under controlled condi- tions into underground geologic formations called aquifers. "MAR will become an increasingly important tool for mitigat- ing the economic, environmental, and public health impacts of water shortages," says Bill Alley, Ph.D., NGWA's director of sci- ence and technology. NGWA has published an information brief as well as a best suggested practices document on the subject. "Integrating MAR into the nation's water infrastructure will require proper siting selection, design, construction, operation, and maintenance, but it can be done," Alley says. One reason the potential of MAR is great is because of the magnitude and importance of groundwater to the nation's water resources. About 78% of community water systems and many individual households with an independent source of water use groundwater. Also, groundwater is the source for 42% of the na- tion's agricultural irrigation water. Groundwater also feeds streams and rivers, especially during periods of drought or low flow, provid- ing environmental benefits and sustaining ecosystems. To read the NGWA information brief on MAR, visit www.NGWA.org and click on "Information Briefs" under the Publications/Bookstore tab. Managed Aquifer Recharge Grows as Important Infrastructure Tool Mike Price is the senior editor of Water Well Journal. In addition to his WWJ responsibilities, Price produces NGWA's newsletter and contributes to the Association's quarterly scientific publication. He can be reached at mprice@ngwa.org. 20 April 2016 WWJ waterwelljournal.com Part two of this aquifer series will spotlight the Ogallala Aquifer in the May issue of Water Well Journal, which focuses on irrigation and groundwater.