Conjunctive Use of Aquifer Storage Recovery and Reservoirs for Cost-Effective Water Resource Management in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

At present, approximately 6 billion gallons per day of fresh surface water is lost to tide from south Florida.  Population growth, salt water intrusion, and ecosystem restoration requirements are expected to result in increasing demands on the fresh water supply. Therefore, increasing storage capacity to capture this lost resource is critical to for sustainable, multi-purpose water supply.  

Typically, above-ground reservoirs are constructed to add storage capacity to the system.  Storage volumes range from about 13,000 to 170,000 acre-feet, and these features often are constructed on former agricultural lands that require soil remediation prior to construction.  In addition, real estate, remediation, construction, and operation and maintenance costs of above-ground reservoirs result in considerable financial commitment, and also occupy lands that could be applied for ecosystem restoration.   Integration of ASR technologies with reservoirs early in the planning stage provides additional short- and long-term flexibility and cost-effectiveness for water supply managers.   In appropriate hydrogeologic settings, ASR can provide a significant subsurface storage component , allowing for a reduced reservoir footprint. 

The Hillsboro Canal ASR pilot project is a case-study for integration of ASR and above-ground reservoir operations to increase storage for ecosystem restoration needs.   Two cycle tests have been completed at the ASR facility, concurrent with the construction of a fairly small (13,280 acre-feet) adjacent reservoir.   Modes of operation for this facility, and comparative costs for ASR and reservoir construction, operation, and maintenance will be compared to highlight the advantages of ASR system integration.