With drought and other extreme weather effects combined with concerns about water quality and source water rights, NGWA held the “Managed Aquifer Recharge Conference: Unleashing Resiliency, Protecting Groundwater Quality” on September 23-24 in Denver, Colorado.
The event drew more than 130 attendees and provided a forum to discuss the science and state-of-the-practice approaches to address managed aquifer recharge (MAR). The meeting was timely given the large number of communities expressing needs for supplemental water supply and proposals for MAR around the country.
Jason Ullmann, PE, state engineer of Colorado, provided an engaging keynote address, emphasizing the complexity of water management in Colorado. He highlighted the hydrogeology and policy affecting the intrastate water compacts and interstate decisions that direct Colorado water availability and use.
Other highlights of the conference were two panel discussions, one on communicating details of MAR development with decision makers and the other addressing public engagement. Preconference courses offered an overview of ASR site development experience and the science-guiding virus inactivation assessment. The conference concluded with visits to three MAR-related sites in the Denver area.
Topical sessions for presentations included Regional Analyses of MAR Potential, Use of Treated Wastewater, Applications of Geophysics, Water Quality Case Studies, Regulatory, Institutional & Financial Environment for MAR, Stormwater Applications, Surface Infiltration, Applications of Models, FloodMAR & AgMAR, Aquifer Storage & Recovery, and Injection Wells.
NGWA has been an industry leader in addressing MAR development issues. Learn more about MAR at NGWA’s website.
Also consider joining NGWA and participating in its Managed Aquifer Recharge Work Group. Email the work group to share your interest.