SR-5/97-98 : Review of artificial recharge practices

Abstract

Development of the groundwater resources in various parts of the world has been increasing in recent years as development of surface water resources approaches its extreme point., The increasing use of groundwater for municipal, industrial and irrigation supply has emphasized the need for increasing the groundwater resources by artificial recharge. For last several years, the practice of artificially recharging the groundwater system has been quite successfully used in many developed countries and also in developing countries like India. Due to over exploitation of groundwater, a declining trend of groundwater regime has been observed in many states of India, like Gujarat, Tamilnadu, Rajasthan etc. A number of methods are practiced to achieve artificial recharge. However the selection of a particular method is governed by local topography, geological and soil conditions, the quantity, quality and availability of water to be recharged. It is, therefore, important to study various aspects of artificial recharging of groundwater for ensuring effective utilisation and controlling the declining trend of groundwater.

This report gives a reviewed summary of various developments in the field of artificial recharge of groundwater at national and international levels. Different methods of recharging have been discussed in detail with reference to their design criteria, application, and economic feasibility. Details of field applications are also provided.