Key Elements of a State Regulatory Framework for Managed Aquifer Recharge

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Hydrology
• Water resource management

Background:

• Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) integrates existing state groundwater regulations.
• MAR involves complex processes: water acquisition, treatment, aquifer capacity, migration, geochemical reactions, and monitoring.
• Effective MAR requires coordination between project proponents and regulators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform the development of consistent and effective MAR regulations across the United States.
• To facilitate investment in MAR installation and operation.
• To ensure practical, non-burdensome regulations supporting water supply resiliency.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing state groundwater regulations for MAR.
• Analysis of MAR implementation processes and components.
• Examination of historical MAR development and regulatory variations.
• Identification of key regulatory components for future development.

Main Results:

• MAR regulation and permitting are largely integrated within existing state groundwater laws.
• Significant state-to-state variation exists in MAR project regulation and permitting.
• Properly implemented MAR permitting protects water quality and water rights.

Conclusions:

• Sustained groundwater availability necessitates investment in effective MAR regulations.
• Future MAR regulations should be practical, not overly burdensome, and support water supply resiliency.
• Consistent and effective MAR regulation across the US will facilitate investment and operation of recharge projects.