NGWA recently published a new position paper on virus attenuation in managed aquifer recharge. The paper, created by a work group of NGWA members, is free to download and share with appropriate and interested officials.
The Association supports giving high priority to incorporating the 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:
- Scientific studies demonstrating virus-log removal rates
- The success of the EPA Surface Water Treatment Rule requiring 4-log virus removal/inactivation
- 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.
Click here to read the position paper on virus attention in managed aquifer recharge.
NGWA has 25 position papers. They represent the organization’s official stand on issues, and are developed by teams of groundwater scientists, engineers, practitioners, and other national experts in the field of groundwater. NGWA’s position papers can be viewed and downloaded on the NGWA website.