Virus Attenuation in Managed Aquifer Recharge: NGWA’s Newest Position Paper

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Date: October 27, 2026
Location: Online 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
CEUs: 1 Hour

Overview:

NGWA supports giving high priority to incorporating best available science on subsurface virus attenuation into more practical requirements and cost-effective MAR regulatory frameworks.

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a well-established technology that provides virus and other pathogen reduction through soil-aquifer treatment processes. However, conservative state regulatory requirements regarding virus reduction have limited MAR use for communities seeking supplemental groundwater supplies, increasing costs and contributing to project delays and cancellations. Current regulations do not adequately reflect the latest science on in-situ subsurface attenuation of viruses and several other constituents of concern.

Evidence that subsurface virus attenuation during recharge effectively protects groundwater from virus levels typically found in surface water sources includes:

  1. Scientific studies demonstrating virus log removal rates
  2. The success of the EPA Surface Water Treatment Rule requiring 4-log virus removal/inactivation
  3. The long-term performance of riverbank filtration systems.

Alternative aquifer recharge risk-based regulatory approaches in Europe and Australia have successfully used aquifer “Attenuation Zones” for decades that can be supported by confirmatory monitoring for viruses and other constituents of concern.

This webinar will be facilitated by a panel of the paper’s authors.

  • Llyn Doremus LHG, Washington Department of Ecology
  • Mike Milczarek MS, Geosystems Analysis Inc.
  • Tim Parker PG, CEG, CHG, Parker Groundwater
  • David Pyne PE, ASR Systems LLC
  • Chuck Job MEn, MAE, NGWA Manager of Regulatory Affairs
  • Bill Alley PhD, NGWA Director of Science & Technology

Who Should Attend: NGWA members, including groundwater scientists, engineers, contractors, and industry professionals interested in managed aquifer recharge and policy.

View NGWA’s Position Paper, Virus Attenuation in Managed Aquifer Recharge.

Fees

This webinar is being held at no-cost.

Participating in the webinar