Vadose Zone Infiltration Systems

Abstract

Surface infiltration systems are generally preferred for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) because they offer the best opportunity for clogging control and water quality improvements through contaminant attenuation processes in the vadose zone. Vadose zone infiltration systems include infiltration trenches, galleries, shafts, pits, and dry wells. Vadose zone recharge systems are used to bypass low-permeability material present at or close to land surface and have the additional advantages of being largely subsurface features and providing an opportunity for contaminant attenuation processes in the unsaturated zone to occur. The main disadvantage of vadose zone infiltration systems is that they are prone to clogging and more difficult to rehabilitate than surface spreading systems and phreatic injection wells.