ASR and the F Word

A major constraint on adoption of aquifer storage in the US is regulatory uncertainty.  The last decade of research and operation of aquifer storage projects has seen advances in understanding the mobilization of metals, the degradation of disinfection by-products and the attenuation of microorganisms. Operational strategies, well design and source water treatment technologies have become more sophisticated.  Despite these advances, a major question for recharge proponents and experts is the likely scale of future (the F word) implementation of aquifer recharge in the next decade.

The presentation examines education and awareness strategies to transfer knowledge from the learning curve of science to the state & federal agencies with authority to regulate aquifer recharge.  Water managers need regulatory certainty before proceeding to invest private or public capital in strategic plans involving aquifer storage.  Future expansion of recharge/ recovery projects serving needs such as utility supply, irrigation, ecological maintenance, suppression of salt water intrusion and water banking will most likely depend on the success of explaining the technology to the public, regulators and policy-makers.