Successful application of managed aquifer recharge in the improvement of the water resources management of semi-arid regions: Examples from Arizona and the southwestern U.S.A.

Abstract

Artificial recharge of groundwater is a technique nowadays fully integrated in the water resources planning in the State of Arizona. First experiences were carried out by the University of Arizona, and their main target was the study of water quality changes after passing through the soil to be purified. Afterwards, a very wet period suffered in Arizona made all stakeholders became aware of the necessity of storing surface water surpluses by means of artificially recharging drafted aquifers. 1980 and 1986 laws established the legal framework for all MAR aspects, including the ownership of the recharged water. So, the most important artificial recharge projects in Arizona were developed, i.e. Salt River Project, Granite Reef Underground Storage Project, Central Arizona Project, among others. They have contributed to a very important development of this technique and have provided excellent results. In this paper, the main characteristics of some of these large projects are shown.