Managed aquifer recharge in community water supply: the Finnish experience and some international comparisons

Abstract

This paper analyzes the use of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) in community water supply in Finland and presents some international experiences for comparison. The framework of MAR consists of the natural environment and physical infrastructure, as well as socio-economic aspects, all of which are interrelated. Local conditions form the basis of an MAR system and to a large degree determine infiltration options and the most suitable methods. Finnish hydrogeology, climate and local conditions are highly comparable to those in Sweden but differ from those of other parts of Europe, Australia, the USA and Asia. This article provides a holistic view of MAR not only as a technical means of resource enhancement for water supply but also as an element interacting with the natural environment and society.

Keywords:

• managed aquifer recharge
• groundwater
• infiltration methods
• local conditions

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Anna-Liisa Kivimäki, Markku Järvenpää, Petri Jokela and Kenneth Persson for the interviews and comments they gave. The authors are also grateful to Johannes Nonner for his constructive comments. Financial support from the Doctoral Programme in the Built Environment (RYM-TO), Maa- ja vesitekniikan tuki ry (MVTT) and Kaupallisten ja teknisten tieteiden säätiö (KAUTE) is gratefully acknowledged.

Notes

1. 1. Bank infiltration is an indirect infiltration method by which the yield of an aquifer is increased by lowering the water level in wells when water from the nearby surface water source infiltrates the aquifer.