The City determined that construction of a reservoir would provide a reliable water supply for the customers of the City and enhance recreational activities in the region. However, development of an ASR Program in the Equus Beds Aquifer would not only provide a reliable water supply for its customers, but would also reverse the trend of declining water levels and water quality in the Equus Beds aquifer, benefiting all well users in the area.
Water levels in the Equus Beds aquifer have declined up to 40 feet from agricultural, domestic, industrial and municipal usage. Due to this depletion, the aquifer has become vulnerable to saltwater intrusion from the Arkansas River and oil field operations. Without changes in water usage and/or augmentation of recharge to the Equus Beds the average chloride concentration in the groundwater would eventually increase to levels unsuitable for drinking water or irrigation.
The City’s ASR Program is anticipated to be completed in four phases with an ultimate capacity of 100 million gallons per day (mgd). Currently, the ASR Program is in Phase II with the completion of final design and the commencement of construction activities in the 4th quarter of 2009. The ASR Program is a multi-faceted program that impacts a wide range of stakeholders, both within the Equus Beds and the customers of the City. Recharging the aquifer will protect water quality and provide a source of stored water for future use.