CHAPTER

1
➢ INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The artificial recharge to ground water aims at augmentation of ground water reservoir by modifying the
natural movement of surface water utilizing suitable civil construction techniques. Artificial recharge
techniques normally address to following issues –

(i) To enhance the sustainable yield in areas where over-development has depleted the aquifer

(ii) Conservation and storage of excess surface water for future requirements, since these requirements often
changes within a season or a period.

(iii) To improve the quality of existing ground water through dilution.

(iv) To remove bacteriological and other impurities from sewage and waste water so that water is suitable for
re-use.

Thus, in most situation, artificial recharge projects not only serve as water conservation mechanism but
also assist in overcoming problem associated with overdraft. The increasing demand for water has increased
awareness towards the use of artificial recharge to augment ground water supplies. Stated simply, artificial
recharge is a process by which excess surface-water is directed into the ground – either by spreading on the
surface, by using recharge wells, or by altering natural conditions to increase infiltration – to replenish an
aquifer. It refers to the movement of water through man-made systems from the surface of the earth to
underground water-bearing strata where it may be stored for future use. Artificial recharge (sometimes called
planned recharge) is a way to store water underground in times of water surplus to meet demand in times of
shortage.
Some factors to consider for groundwater recharge are:
1. Availability of waste water
1
2. Quantity of source water available.
3. Quality of source water available
4. Resultant water quality (after reactions with native water and aquifer materials).
5. Clogging potential
6. Underground storage space available
7. Depth to underground storage space
8. Transmission characteristics of the aquifer
9. Applicable methods (injection or infiltration)
10. Costs

2
 CHAPTER

2
➢ THEORY

2.1 IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS FOR RECHARGE

The first step in planning a recharge scheme is to demarcate the area of recharge. Such an area should,
as far as possible, be a micro-watershed (2,000-4,000 ha) or a mini-watershed (40-50 ha). However, localized
schemes can also be taken up for the benefit of a single hamlet or a village. In either case the demarcation of
area should be based on the following broad criteria:
1. Where ground water levels are declining due to over-exploitation
2. Where substantial part of the aquifer has already been desaturated i.e. regeneration of\ water in
wells and hand pumps is slow after some water has been drawn
3. Where availability of water from wells and hand pumps is inadequate during the lean months
4. Where ground water quality is poor and there is no alternative source of water

2.2 SOURCES OF WATER FOR RECHARGE

Before undertaking a recharge scheme, it is important to first assess the availability of adequate water
for recharge. Following are the main sources, which need to be identified and assessed for adequacy:
1. Precipitation (rainfall) over the demarcated area
2. Large roof areas from where rainwater can be collected and diverted for recharge
3. Canals from large reservoirs from which water can be made available for recharge
4. Natural streams from which surplus water can be diverted for recharge, without violating the rights
of other users
5. Properly treated municipal and industrial waste waters. This water should be used only after
ascertaining its quality.

“In situ” precipitation is available at every location but may or may not be adequate for the recharge
purposes. In such cases water from other sources may be transmitted to the recharge site. Assessment of the
available sources of water would require consideration of the following factors:

1. Available quantity of water

2. Time for which the water would be available
3. Quality of water and the pretreatment required

3
 4. Conveyance system required to bring the water to the recharge site

2.3 HYDRO-METEOROLOGICAL STUDIES

These studies are undertaken to understand the rainfall pattern and evaporation losses and there by to
determine the amount of water that would be available from a given catchment and the size of storages to be
built. The main factors to be considered are:
• Minimum annual rainfall during the previous 10 years
• Number of rainy spells in a rainy season and duration of each spell
• Amount of rainfall in each rainy spell
• Rainfall intensity (maximum) 3 hourly, 6 hourly etc. as may be relevant for a region.

As a general guide, the one, which causes significant runoff and local flooding, should be adopted.

This information/ data is usually readily available in District Statistical Reports published by the District
Statistical Organization. However, the most important source is the India Meteorological Department. For the
purpose of rainwater harvesting only readily available secondary data is adequate. The alternative sources of
this data are the reports of major, medium or minor irrigation projects, which have been recently completed in
the region or are under construction or are planned.

2.3.1 HYDRO GEOLOGICAL STUDIES

A detailed hydro geological study of the project area and also the regional picture of hydro geological
setting is necessary to know precisely the promising locations for recharge and the type of structures to be built
for the purpose. The aspects to be considered for a recharge scheme are:
Detailed information and maps showing
1. Hydro geological units demarcated on the basis of their water bearing capabilities at both shallow and
deeper levels
2. Ground water contours to determine the form of the water table and hydraulic connection of ground
water with rivers, canals etc.
3. Depth to water table (Maximum, Minimum and Mean)- Amplitude of water level fluctuations
4. Piezometric head in deeper aquifers and their variation with time- Ground water potential of different
hydro geological units and the level of ground water development- Chemical quality of water in
different aquifers This information is usually available in district-wise ground water reports prepared by
the Central Ground Water Board and/ or the State Ground Water Board.

2.3.2 GEOPHYSICAL STUDIES

These studies are expensive and time consuming and require high levels of skill and sophisticated
equipment. These are, therefore, economically viable for large ground water development projects and are not
suitable for small artificial recharge schemes at local/village level.
The main purpose of applying geophysical methods for the selection of appropriate site for artificial
recharge studies is to assess the unknown sub-surface hydro geological conditions economically, adequately and
4
unambiguously. Generally the prime task is to compliment the exploratory programmed. Mostly it is employed
to narrow down the target zone, pinpoint the probable site for artificial recharge structure and its proper design.
Nevertheless, the application of geophysical methods is to bring out a comparative picture of the sub-surface
litho environment, surface manifestation of such structures and correlate them with the hydro geological setting.
Besides defining the sub-surface structure and litho logy, it can identify the brackish/ fresh ground water
interface, contaminated zone (saline) and the area prone to seawater intrusion.

Using certain common geophysical methods, it is possible to model the

1. Stratification of aquifer system and spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity of the characteristic
zone, suitable for artificial recharge

2. Negative or non-productive zones of low hydraulic conductivity in unsaturated and saturated zones

3. Vertical hydraulic conductivity discontinuities, such as dyke and fault zone

4. Moisture movement and infiltration capacity of the unsaturated zone

5. Direction of ground water flow under natural/ artificial recharge processes

6. Salinity ingress, trend and short duration depth salinity changes in the aquifers due to varied
abstraction or recharge

The application of proper techniques, plan of survey and suitable instruments can yield better understandable
results, but, of indirect nature.

2.4 QUALITY OF SOURCE WATER

Chemicals and Salts

Problems which arise as a result of recharge to ground water are mainly related to the quality of raw
waters that are available for recharge and which generally require some sort of treatment before being used in
recharge installations. They are also related to the changes in the soil structure and the biological phenomena,
which take place when infiltration begins, thereby causing environmental concerns. The chemical and
bacteriological analysis of source water and that of ground water is therefore essential.

Sediment Load

A major requirement for waters that are to be used in recharge projects is that they be silt free.
5
 Silt may be defined as the content of undissolved solid matter, usually measured in mg/l, which settles in
stagnant water or in flowing water with velocities, which do not exceed 0.1 m/hr.

2.5 PREVENTION OF CLOGGING OF SOIL PORES

This is one of the important considerations in planning an artificial recharge scheme. The usual methods
to minimize the clogging are:

1. Periodical removing of the mud-cake and dicing or scraping of the surface layer.
2. Installation of a filter on the surface, the permeability of which is lower than that of the natural
strata (the filter must be removed and renewed periodically).
3. Addition of organic matter or chemicals to the uppermost layer.
4. Cultivation of certain plant-covers, notably certain kinds of grass.
5. Providing inverted filter consisting of fine sand, coarse sand and gravel at the bottom of
infiltration pits/ trenches are very effective.

Clogging by biological activity depends upon the mineralogical and organic composition of the water
and basin floor and upon the grain-size and permeability of the floor. The only feasible method of treatment
developed so far consists in thoroughly drying the ground under the basin.

2.6 METHODOLOGY

2.6.1 Ground Water

The part of the rainwater, which percolates through the earth’s surface, is known as groundwater. The
percolation of the water depends upon the type of substrata. If the substratum is not pervious then the
groundwater cannot be conserved as it percolates through the soil below. Groundwater is the major source of
drinking water in both urban and rural India. Besides, it is an important source of water for the agricultural and
the industrial sector. Water utilization projections for 2000 put the groundwater usage at about 50%. Being an
important and integral part of the hydrological cycle, its availability depends on the rainfall and recharge
conditions. The groundwater is stored in different depth zones.

6
 Fig: 2.1 Groundwater Recharge

2.7 DEPTH ZONES

In general there are three successive depth zones that may be recognized. They are as follows:-

2.7.1 Zone of Aeration or Zone of Non saturation

This is the uppermost of all the zones. Water is not stored in this zone but it percolates through it. Thus
the zone of aeration does not store water, but allows passing the water through it. As it is not saturated, it is also
called as zone of non-saturation.

2.7.2 Zone of intermittent saturation

The zone of intermittent saturation lies below the zone of aeration. The top of this zone is the water
table. But the water table rises in the rainy season and sinks in summer season. This zone extends from the
highest level reached by the water table after wet weather to the lowest level to which it falls in dry weather.

2.7.3 Zone of permanent saturation

This zone lies below the zone of intermittent saturation. The zone of permanent saturation extends
downwards to the limit below which groundwater is not found. Below a certain depth, because of the above
lying rocks there are no openings in rocks for water to occupy and groundwater cannot occur below this depth.

7
This depth varies greatly according to local conditions, but it is usually at about 1000 m that the groundwater
ceases to exist.

Fig. 2.2 Depths Zones

A: Zone of aeration, IS: Zone of intermittent saturation, PS: Zone of permanent saturation.

2.8 WASTE WATER

Waste Water is any water that has been adversely affected in quality by anthropogenic influence. It
comprises liquid waste discharged by domestic residences, commercial properties, industry, and/or agriculture
and can encompass a wide range of potential contaminants and concentrations. In the most common usage, it
refers to the municipal waste water that contains a broad spectrum of contaminants resulting from the mixing of
waste waters from different sources.
Sewage is correctly the subset of waste water that is contaminated with feces or urine, but is often used
to mean any waste water. “Sewage” includes domestic, municipal, or industrial liquid waste products disposed
of, usually via a pipe or sewer or similar structure, sometimes in a cesspool emptier. The physical infrastructure,
including pipes, pumps, and screens, channels etc. used to convey sewage from its origin to the point of
eventual treatment or disposal is termed sewerage.

2.9 WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

Waste water treatment consists of physical, chemical, and biological processes—either aerobic or
anaerobic. The aerobic process is used most frequently. In the activated sludge process, air has to be forced into
the liquid in a tank that is used to maintain aerobic microbial activity and to prevent odor. Additionally,
temperature and pH must be maintained for the microbial activity. In a municipal system the flow moves as
follows: from sanitary sewer to screening and grinding process, to primary clarification, to activated sludge or

8
trickling filter, to secondary clarification, to chlorine treatment, and finally to a water body such as a river or
stream. Waste water from the home enters a domestic or sanitary sewer—a system of pipes that collect the
waste water. The waste is then transported to a waste water treatment plant. As it enters the plant, it flows
through a bar screen, which strains out large materials. It then continues into a grit basin or chamber, where the
water is slowed down enough to allow heavy or dense particles to settle out. These particles are then removed
and taken to a landfill. The materials that do not settle out are ground up to prepare them to be digested by
microorganisms in the treatment plant. The waste water then enters the primary clarifier, which allows materials
to settle out.
From the primary clarifier, the waste water enters activated sludge tanks or trickling filters. Trickling
filters are large areas of biological decomposition consisting of rocks that host biological organisms on their
surfaces. These organisms metabolize most of the suspended solids that did not settle in the primary clarifier.
The buildup on these rocks eventually sloughs off. The activated sludge tank is also used to remove waste from
the waste water. In this process, water from the primary clarifier is pumped into an aeration tank and combined
with a mixture rich in bacterial growth. Pure oxygen is pumped through, allowing the decomposition of the
organic materials in the waste water. The remaining water is moved from the top of the tank, leaving sludge at
the bottom. Water from the trickling filter moves to a secondary clarifier, which settles any remaining
suspended solids. The solids are then pumped into a digester, while the effluent is chlorinated and released back
into a water channel, river, or stream.

2.9.1 Aeration

The process of exposing large surface of water to atmospheric air is called Aeration. For removal of
odours & gases, and to absorb more oxygen.

2.9.2 Sedimentation

It is process of removal of suspended particles of impurities by gravitational setting.

2.9.3 Filtration

It is process of removing particulate & bacterial impurities which could not be removed in earlier
processes, from water by passing through a porous media.

2.9.4 Disinfection of water

It is process killing bacterial impurities & all pathogens.

9
Fig. 2.3 Wastewater Treatment System

10
2.10 WHY ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE

In most low rainfall areas of the country the availability of utilizable surface water is so low that people
have to depend largely on ground water for agriculture and domestic uses. So in order to improve the ground
water situation it is necessary to artificially recharge the depleted ground water aquifer.

2.10.1 Present water availability

India’s population is 16% of the world population, whereas, water resources are only 4% that of the
world. Present water demand is 1122 billion m3 (Surface water 690 billion m3 and groundwater 432 billion m3).
By 2010, groundwater demand would increase to 710 billion m3. By 2050, it would be 1180 billion m3 i.e. less
than availability. Out of 236 blocks, 204 blocks are over-exploited due to above situation. The demand in 2025
would be doubled, we can imagine scenario of 2050. In Rajasthan, total water availability is 10382 million m 3
at present, whereas the requirement is 12999 m3.

2.10.2 Future Water Scenario

1. Water availability will be to 1 person out of 3.

2. Water quality will become unsafe in majority of the places.
3. No food to 1/3 of the population.
4. Many water borne diseases like Fluorosis, Dementia, Diarrhea, Cancer etc. will be order of the day.
5. There will be fight for water between
a) Man to man.
b) City to city.
c) State to state.
d) Country to country
e) Possible third world war?

11

3.1 STANDARD PARAMETERS
3.1.1 List of parameters for each industrial activity
Table 1. List of Parameters
INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY
Textile manufacturing
Metal Plating & Galvanising
Slaughtering
Canning & Food Processing
Dairy Processing
Soft Drink Bottling
CHAPTER
3
➢ METHODS
PARAMETERS
Colour, Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, Reactive Phosphorus,
Free Chlorine, TSS, Chloride, Sulphate, Sulphide,
Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Nitrate as N, Detergents, Cadmium,
Total Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Molybdenum, Sodium,
Zinc, Oil & Grease, Total Pesticides, Total Organic Halides.
Temperature, pH, COD, Free Chlorine, TSS, Chloride,
Sulphate, Sulphide, Nitrate as N, Cyanide, Cadmium, Total
Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Lead, Nickel, Zinc, Oil &
Grease, Total Organic Halides.
Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, TSS, Chloride, Nitrate as N,
TKN, Oil & Grease, Total Coliforms, E. Coli
Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, Free Chlorine, TSS, Chloride,
Nitrate as N, TKN, Sodium, Oil & Grease, Total Coliforms.
Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, TSS, Selenium, Oil & Grease,
Detergents, Ammoniacal Nitrogen.
Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, TSS, Sodium, Zinc,
Detergents.
12
 Breweries & Distilleries Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, TSS, Nitrate as N, Selenium,
Zinc, Oil & Grease, Detergents, Ammoniacal Nitrogen.
Laundry processes Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, Reactive Phosphorus, Free
Chlorine, TSS, Nitrate as N, Total Chromium, Copper, Iron,
Lead, Oil & Grease, Total Organic Halides, Detergents
Edible Oil Refining Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, TSS, Chloride, Sodium, Oil &
Grease, Total Organic Halides, Phenols, Detergents.
Paint Manufacturing Colour, Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, TSS, Chloride,
Sulphate, Sulphide, Aluminium, Cadmium, Total Chromium,
Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Molybdenum, Zinc, Oil &
Grease, Total Organic Halides.
Mechanical Workshop pH, COD, BOD5, Oil & Grease, Total Chromium, Lead,
Manganese, Zinc.
Thermal Power Plant Temperature, pH, TSS, Oil & Grease, Total Chromium,
Copper, Iron, Zinc.
Soap & Detergents Manufacturing Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, Reactive Phosphorus, Free
Chlorine¸ TSS, Oil & Grease, Total Organic Halides,
Detergents, Ammoniacal Nitrogen.
Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, Reactive Phosphorus, TSS,
products Sulphide, Oil & Grease, Phenols and Detergents.
Tanning Colour, Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, Reactive Phosphorus,
TSS, Sulphate, Sulphide, Nitrate as Nitrogen, Cadmium, Total
Chromium, Mercury, Oil & Grease, Total Organic Halides,
Total Coliforms, E. Coil Coli, Ammoniacal Nitrogen.
Manufacture of Chemical Fertilizers Temperature, pH, COD, BOD5, Reactive Phosphorus, TSS,
Sulphate, Oil & Grease, Ammoniacal Nitrogen.
Livestock Breeding pH, COD, BOD5, Reactive Phosphorus, TSS, Nitrate as
Nitrogen, TKN, Total Coliforms, E. Coli, Ammoniacal
Nitrogen.

3.1.2 Effluent discharge Standards

Table 2. Wastewater Discharge Standards(1st Repetition)

13
Parameter Unit Maximum permissible limit
Land/ Surface water
courses
Underground
Total coliforms MPN per - <400
100 ml
E. Coli MPN per <1000 <200
100 ml

Free Chlorine mg/l - 0.5

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) l 45 35

Reactive Phosphorus mg/l 10 1

mg/l

Colour - Not objectionable

0
Temperature C 40
pH - 5–9
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) mg/l 120
Biochemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 40
(BOD5)
Chloride mg/l 750
Sulphate mg/l 750
Sulphide mg/l 0.002
Ammoniacal Nitrogen mg/l 1
Nitrate as N mg/l 10
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) mg/l 25
Nitrite as N mg/l 1

Aluminium mg/l 5
Arsenic mg/l 0.1
14
 Beryllium mg/l 0.1
Boron mg/l 0.75
Cadmium mg/l 0.01
Cobalt mg/l 0.05
Copper mg/l 0.5
Iron mg/l 2.0
Lead mg/l 0.05
Lithium mg/l 2.5
Manganese mg/l 0.2
Mercury mg/l 0.005
Molybdenum mg/l 0.01
Nickel mg/l 0.1
Selenium mg/l 0.02
Sodium mg/l 200
Total Chromium mg/l 0.05
Vanadium mg/l 0.1
Zinc mg/l 2

Oil & Grease mg/l 10

Total Pesticides mg/l 0.025
Total organic halides mg/l 1
Cyanide (as CN -) or Free cyanide mg/l 0.1
Phenols mg/l 0.5
Detergents (as LAS*) mg/l 15

3.1.3 Effluent discharge Standards

Table 3 Waste Water Standards (2nd Repetition)

15
Parameter Unit Maximum
permissible limit

Total coliforms MPN per 100 <400

ml

E. Coli MPN per 100 <200

ml

Free Chlorine mg/l 0.5

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mg/l 35

Reactive Phosphorus mg/l 1

Colour - Not objectionable

Temperature 0
C 40
pH - 5–9
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) mg/l 120
Biochemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 40
(BOD5)
Chloride mg/l 1500
Sulphate mg/l 1500
Sulphide mg/l 0.002
Ammoniacal Nitrogen mg/l 1
Nitrate as N mg/l 10
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) mg/l 25
Nitrite as N mg/l 1

Aluminium mg/l 5
Arsenic mg/l 0.1
Beryllium mg/l 0.1
Boron mg/l 0.75
Cadmium mg/l 0.01
Cobalt mg/l 0.05
Copper mg/l 0.5
Iron mg/l 2.0

16
 Lead mg/l 0.05
Lithium mg/l 2.5
Manganese mg/l 0.2
Mercury mg/l 0.005
Molybdenum mg/l 0.01
Nickel mg/l 0.1
Selenium mg/l 0.02
Sodium mg/l 200
Total Chromium mg/l 0.05
Vanadium mg/l 0.1
Zinc mg/l 2

Oil & Grease mg/l 10

Total Pesticides mg/l 0.025
Total organic halides mg/l 1
Cyanide (as CN -) mg/l 0.1
Phenols mg/l 0.5
Detergents (as LAS*) mg/l 15

3.2 METHODS OF GROUNDWATER RECHARGE

Groundwater recharge methods can be classified into two broad groups:

3.2.1 DIRECT RECHARGE

3.2.1.1 Spreading method

This method involves surface spreading of water in basins that are excavated in the existing terrain. For
effective artificial recharge highly permeable soils are suitable and maintenance of a layer of water over the
highly permeable soils is necessary. When direct discharge is practiced the amount of water entering the aquifer
depends on three factors – the infiltration rate, the percolation rate, and the capacity for horizontal water
movement. In a homogenous aquifer the infiltration rate is equal to the percolation rate. At the surface of the
aquifer however, clogging occurs by deposition of particles carried by water in suspension or in solution, by
algal growth, colloidal swelling and soil dispersion, microbial activity act. Recharge by spreading basins is most

17
effective where there are no impending layers between the land surface and the aquifer and where clear water is
available for recharge; however, more turbid water can be tolerated than with well recharge. The common
problem in recharging by surface spreading is clogging of the surface material by suspended sediment in the
recharge water or by microbial growth. In coarse grained materials removal of fine suspended sediment is
difficult. Playa Lakes or wet weather lakes are depressions that collect water after rainfall or periods of
snowmelt. Playa lakes in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado have been used in artificial recharge projects Many
Playa lakes have tight clay deposits that restrict leakage of water. Most of the water is lost by evaporation or by
non-beneficial growth of vegetation in the lake. Heavy clay soils can be broken up and the lake bottom regarded
for maximum recharge. In a demonstration project near Lubbock, Texas, playa lakes were modified by
excavating concentration pits and using the excavated soil to raise the elevation of some of the previously
flooded lands.

Fig 3.1 Spreading method

3.2.1.2 Recharge Pits and Shafts

Conditions that permit surface spreading methods for artificial recharge are relatively rare. Often lenses
of low permeability lie between the land surface and water table. In such situations artificial recharge systems
such as pits and shafts could be effective penetrate the less permeable strata in order to access the dewatered
aquifer. The rate of recharge has been found to increase as the side slopes of the pits increased. Unfiltered
runoff waters leave a thin film of sediment on the sides and bottom of the pits which require maintenance in
order to sustain the high recharge rates. Shafts may be circular, rectangular, or of square cross-section and may
18
be backfilled with porous material. Excavation may terminate above the water table level or may be hydraulic
connectors and extend below the water table. Recharge rates in both shafts and pits may decrease with time due
to accumulation of fine grained materials and the plugging effect brought about by microbial activity.

Fig 3.2. Recharge Pits and Shafts

3.2.1.3 Ditches

A ditch could be described as a long narrow trench, with its bottom width less than its depth. A ditch
system can be designed to suit the topographic and geologic conditions that exist at a given site. A layout for a
ditch and a flooding recharge project could include a series of ditches trending down the topographic slope. The
ditches could terminate in a collection ditch designed to carry away the water that does not infiltrate in order to
avoid ponding and to reduce the accumulation of fine material.

19
 Fig 3.3. Ditches
3.2.1.4 Recharge Wells

Recharge or injection wells are used to directly recharge water into deep water-bearing zones. Recharge
wells could be cased through the material overlying the aquifer and if the earth materials are unconsolidated, a
screen can be placed in the well in the zone of injection. In some cases, several recharge wells may be installed
in the same bore hole. Recharge wells are a suitable only in areas where a thick impervious layer exists between
the surface of the soil and the aquifer to be replenished. They are also advantageous where in areas where land
is scarce. A relatively high rate of recharge can be attained by this method. Clogging of the well screen or
aquifer may lead to excessive build-up of water levels in the recharge well. In ideal conditions a well will accept
recharge water at least as readily as it will yield water by pumping. Factors that cause the build up of water
levels in a recharge well to be greater than the corresponding draw down in a discharging well may include the
following.
1. Suspended sediment in the recharge water, including organic and inorganic matter.
2. Entrained air in the recharge water.
3. Microbial growth in the well.
4. Chemical reactions between the recharge water and the native groundwater, the aquifer material, or
both.

20
 5. Ionic reactions that result in dispersion of clay particles and swelling of colloids in a sand and gravel
aquifer.
6. Iron precipitation.
7. Biochemical changes in recharge water and the groundwater involving iron-reducing bacteria or
sulphate-reducing organisms.
8. Differences in temperature between recharge and aquifer water.
9. Factors that cause the build up of water levels in a recharge well to be less than the corresponding
draw down in a discharging well may include the following.
10. Recharge water is warmer than native groundwater and therefore, less viscous.
11. Increase in he saturated thickness and transmissibility of the aquifer due to the higher water levels
that result when a water table aquifer is recharged.
12. Recharge water that is unsaturated with respect to calcium carbonate. Such water may dissolve parts
of a carbonate aquifer.

Fig 3.4 Recharge Wells

3.2.2 INDIRECT RECHARGE

3.2.2.1. Enhanced Streambed Infiltration (Induced infiltration)

This method of induced recharge consists of setting a gallery or a line of wells parallel the bank of a

21
river and at a short distance from it. Without the wells there would be unimpeded outflow of groundwater to the
river. When small amounts of groundwater are withdrawn from the gallery parallel to the river, the amount of
groundwater discharged into the river decreases. The water recovered by the gallery consists wholly of natural
groundwater. Each groundwater withdrawal is accompanied by a draw down in the water table. For high
recovery rates this draw down tends to lower the groundwater table at the shoreline below that at the river.
Thus, surface water from the river will be induced to enter the aquifer and to flow into the gallery. In areas
where the stream is separated from the aquifer by materials of low permeability, leakage from the stream may
be so small that the system is not feasible.

Fig 3.5. Induced Infiltration

3.2.2.2 Conjunctive Well

A conjunctive well is one that is screened in both a shallow confined aquifer and a deeper artesian
aquifer. Water is pumped from the deeper aquifer and if its potentiometric surface is lowered below the shallow
water table, water from the shallow aquifer drains directly into the deeper aquifer. Water augmentation by
conjunctive wells has the advantage of utilizing sediment-free groundwater which greatly reduces the damage
of clogging well screens. Other benefits are:
1. It reduces the amount of evapotranspiration water loss from the shallow water table.
2. Reduces flooding effects in some places. Environmental effects from the conjunctive well method must
be carefully studied to assure that unwanted dewatering of wetlands or reduction of base flow will not
occur. The possibility of coagulation due to mixing of chemically differ groundwater should also be
investigated.

22
3.3 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

3.3.1 Advantages

1. Artificial recharge has several potential advantages, namely:

2. The use of aquifers for storage and distribution of water and removal of contaminants by natural
cleansing processes that occur as polluted rain and surface-water infiltrate the soil and percolate down
through the various geological formations.
3. The technology is appropriate and generally well understood by both the technologists and the general
population.
4. Very few special tools are needed to dig wells.
5. In rock formations with high structural integrity, few additional materials may be required (concrete,
soft stone or coral rock blocks, metal rods etc.) to construct the wells.
6. Groundwater recharge stores water during the wet season for use in the dry season, when demand is the
highest.
7. The quality of the aquifer water can be improved by recharging with high-quality 9/11 injected water.
8. Recharge can significantly increase the sustainable yield of an aquifer.
9. Recharge methods are environmentally attractive, particularly in arid regions.
10. Most aquifer recharge systems are easy to operate.
11. In many river basins, control of surface-water run-off to provide aquifer recharge reduces sedimentation
problems.
12. Recharge with less-saline surface waters or a treated effluent improves the quality of saline aquifers,
facilitating the use of the water for agriculture.

3.3.2 Disadvantages

1. In the absence of financial incentives, laws, or other regulations to encourage landowners to maintain
drainage wells adequately, the wells may fall into disrepair and ultimately become sources of
groundwater contamination.
2. There is a potential for contamination of the groundwater from injected surface-water run-off, especially
from agricultural fields and road surfaces. In most cases, the surface-water run-off is not pre-treated
before injection.

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 3. Recharge can degrade the aquifer unless quality control of the injected water is adequate.
4. Unless significant volumes of water are injected in an aquifer, groundwater recharge may not be
economically feasible.
5. The hydrogeology of an aquifer should be investigated and understood before any future full-scale
recharge project is implemented. In karst terrain, dye-tracer studies can assist in acquiring this
knowledge.
6. During the construction of water-traps, disturbance of soil and vegetation cover may cause
environmental damage to the project area.

3.4 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Periodic maintenance of groundwater recharge structures is essential because infiltration capacity is

rapidly reduced because of silting, chemical precipitation, and accumulation of organic matter. In the case of
injection wells and connector wells, periodic maintenance of the system consists of pumping and / or flushing
with a mildly acidic solution to remove encrusting chemical precipitates and bacterial growths on the well tube
slots. By converting the injection or connector wells into dual-purpose wells, the time interval between one
cleansing and another can be extended, but, in the case of spreading structures, except for sub-surface dykes
constructed with an overflow or outlet, annual de-silting is necessary. Unfortunately, because the structures are
installed as a drought-relief measure, periodic maintenance is often neglected until a drought occurs, at which
time the structures must be restored (the 5 to 7 year frequency of droughts, however, means that some
maintenance does take place). Several agencies and individuals normally carry out structural maintenance.

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 CHAPTER

4
CONCLUSION

4.1 CONCLUSION

The present techniques are easy, cost-effective and sustainable in the long term. Many of these can be
adopted by the individuals, rural and urban communities with locally available materials and manpower.
Though ground water recharge scheme either naturally or artificially may not be the final answer, but they do
call for the community effort and create the spirit of cooperation needed to subsequently manage sustain ably
ground water as a community resource. In general, the aim of groundwater recharge facilities is to augment
groundwater resources. If the artificial recharge scheme is effective, a rise in groundwater level, or a reduction
in the rate of the decline, should be observed. Base flow from groundwater storage will ensure that surface
water bodies flow for longer periods and, in some locations, seasonal streams may develop perennial flow.
Wells and boreholes should be able to provide higher yields in previously lean months and the energy
consumption for lifting water will reduce. If artificial recharge schemes contribute to groundwater availability,
an increasing vegetative cover could be indicative of additional soil moisture which may result in a reduction in
soil erosion and a general improvement in fauna and flora, e.g. influx of migratory birds, wildlife etc.

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 CHAPTER

5
REFERENCES

5.1 REFERENCES

1. Amartya Kumar Bhattacharya : Artificial Ground Water Recharge With A Special Reference To India
Pg No 1-8
2. Water And Environmental Programs Engineering Success Stories Town Of Prescott Valley Case Study
Pg No: 1-4
3. S. Ravichandran1*, S.Sathish Kumar1 And Leena Singh2 Selective Techniques In Artificial Ground
Water Recharge Through Dug Well And Injection Well Methods Pg No 1-4
4. Artificial Recharge of Groundwater By Nayantara Nanda Kumar & Niranjan Aiyagarifall, 1997. Pg No:
1
5. Phillips, Steven P. The Role Of Saturated Flow In Artificial Recharge Projects. U.S. Geological Survey,
Placer Hall, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, California 95819-6129.
6. Sophocleous, M.A. And J. A. Schloss. Estimated Annual Groundwater Recharge.

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