Aquifer recharge by seepage losses from canals

Abstract

The effects of subsurface conditions on recharge of leaky aquifers by seepage from irrigation canals are examined. The rate of recharge depends on the vertical rates of flow into the aquifer. The physical and geological data along a lithological section of the Mahi Right Bank Canal Command Area in Gujarat are used. At the same location, seepage losses can vary by a factor of seven depending on the position of the water table. For a specified water table depth, the seepage flows vary significantly with the depth to the aquifer. But their vertical components, which are responsible for aquifer recharge, do not show such significant variation with the depth to the aquifer. © 1993 Indian Academy of Sciences.