NGWA has published a special issue of its peer-reviewed journal Groundwater dedicated to managed aquifer recharge (MAR), an increasingly important tool for addressing groundwater depletion and strengthening long-term water supplies.
MAR captures stormwater, floodwater, and other available water sources and stores them underground for future use. As drought and groundwater depletion affect communities across the United States, MAR offers opportunities to replenish aquifers, improve water supply reliability, and address land subsidence and seawater intrusion.
The special issue, published in Groundwater’s November-December 2026 issue, builds on NGWA’s previous MAR research and examines emerging technologies, water quality considerations, and practical applications in multiple articles. Topics include recharge in karst aquifers, PFAS transport, groundwater modeling, drywell recharge systems, and methods for identifying suitable recharge locations. Research also compares the costs of underground water storage with surface reservoirs.
The issue features an introductory editorial by William M. Alley, Ph.D., and Charles A. Job of NGWA and Timothy K. Parker, PG, CEG, CHG, of Ramboll USA, emphasizing the importance of scientific research, effective planning, and public acceptance in advancing MAR projects.
Beyond research, NGWA continues to advocate for expanded federal support for MAR. Working with Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), NGWA helped advance provisions in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 authorizing a national MAR assessment, a federal advisory committee, and feasibility studies.
That work has supported the development of RechargeIQ, a national geospatial tool designed to identify areas suitable for floodwater recharge. With Fiscal Year 2026 funding, USACE is advancing the next phase of the assessment, expanding its capabilities to evaluate additional MAR approaches and support groundwater management decisions.
NGWA’s MAR Workgroup also continues to advance research-based policies and regulatory approaches to support responsible implementation of recharge projects nationwide.
"Communities in drought and those dealing with floodwaters can cost-effectively benefit from managed aquifer recharge to store water for resilient reliable supply as well as dealing with saltwater intrusion and subsidence," noted Chuck Job, NGWA regulatory affairs manager and MAR staff liaison.
"The collaboration of the Network for Engineering with Nature and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in developing a tool to identify MAR potential across the country will support assessment and feasibility of future MAR projects."
Click here to read the special issue editorial.
Click here to learn more about NGWA’s MAR work.