AQUIFER STORAGE AND RECOVERY FOR SMALL WATER SYSTEMS

A brief look at aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects around the country reveal that they involve four main issues:  1) Aquifer complexity and areal extent; 2) Source and/or receiving water quality differences; 3) The sometimes conflicting interests of government, public and private entities; and, 4) Cost.

ASR projects have acquired a reputation for being very expensive.  The use of underground storage for drinking water is relatively new in the United States and generally only larger water systems have attempted ASR projects.  Some estimates are that it takes a minimum of a half million dollars to complete any sized ASR project.  Consequently, many small water supply systems who may benefit from underground storage have avoided ASR due to cost concerns.  Whether it is financially feasible for a water systems to utilize underground storage depends upon the demands posed by the above issues and the size of the contemplated project; however, Buffalo Geological has found that a small core-team consisting of a knowledgeable engineer, geologist and water-rights or watermaster is sufficient to meet the demands of most licensing agencies.

Buffalo Geological specializes in the creation of the geological and hydrogeological reports necessary for the licensing agency review.  Required information includes at a minimum: local and relevant geology; land-use issues; a conceptual hydrogeologic model; source and receiving water quality and expected interactions between the two.  We provide design, advice and supervision for aquifer and well tests and are experienced in regulatory agency negotiations.

For those contemplating an ASR project a primary concern is early identification of unanticipated or out-of-control costs.  The smaller an ASR project remains, the more costs can be predicted and controlled.  Buffalo Geological's approach is to aggressively keep costs to a minimum in the feasibility and testing phase of the licensing process.  Because an ASR project involves potential changes to a natural resource, resolution of the interests of the various stake-holders is vital to the success and economic completion of the project.   

Contact Buffalo Geological Consulting at our Toll Free number 1-800-710-2833 PHONE or FAX for your convenience.

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Email:  buffalo@buffalogeo.com 

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BUFFALO GEOTIMES.pdf