This project is funded as part of Program Project ID R/CRM-02 through the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program under NOAA Award NA18OAR4170098.
What?
The overall goal of this research is to assess the feasibility of implementing Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) technology in conjunction with wetland systems and water treatment facilities as a sustainable water management strategy.
What is ASR? ASR is the process of collecting surplus surface water and injecting it into groundwater aquifers through a dual-purpose well capable of both injection and abstraction. The injected water remains in a storage zone within the aquifer and is available for retrieval during droughts or periods of peak demand. |
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Where?
The Chicot Aquifer is 23,000 km^2 and covers the majority of southwest Louisiana. This aquifer is the most used in the state, and it is over-drafted by approximately 350 million gallons per day. Over-drafting leads to land subsidence and the migration of saltwater inland from the coast.
About 70% of groundwater in the region is used for agriculture/aquaculture purposes. Local farmers using multiple deep-water wells are experiencing extended or repeated droughts. We are working with groups of farmers and other community stakeholders to explore a sustainable solution for water management in the region. |
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Why?
Despite relatively abundant rainfall and surface water, groundwater is being overused across the Southeastern United States. In this region, less than 20% of farmers use surface water for irrigation.
This study will assess the feasibility to capture excess surface water for groundwater recharge to benefit farmers while simultaneously mitigating flood impacts. By utilizing excess surface water through ASR technology, the rate of subsidence and saltwater intrusion in the aquifer can also be reduced. This potential solution could benefit the economy, environment, and society as a whole. |
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This project is funded as part of Program Project ID R/CRM-02 through the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program under NOAA Award NA18OAR4170098. This project is also supported by the U.S. Geological Survey under Grant/Cooperative Agreement No. (G16AP00056) through the Louisiana Water Resources Research Institute.
