Overview
ISO/TR 13973:2014 - Artificial recharge to groundwater is a Technical Report from ISO/TC 113 that describes methods for augmenting groundwater resources by modifying natural surface-water movement. It provides a practical guide to recharge techniques (surface, subsurface and combined methods), site and aquifer considerations, and environmental monitoring requirements. The report does not cover the overall decision‑making or planning process for artificial recharge within water‑resource management schemes.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Technique categories: surface spreading, subsurface recharge, and combinations of both.
- Surface spreading techniques covered in detail: flooding, ditch-and-furrow systems (lateral, dendritic, contour patterns), recharge basins, runoff‑conservation structures, and stream modifications.
- Example details: typical ditch widths (0.30–1.80 m); recharge basin water‑contact area often 75–90%; ditch/furrow contact area typically ≤10%.
- Flooding is noted as low‑cost and low‑maintenance where suitable water and terrain exist.
- Site and aquifer selection criteria: availability of surplus water of suitable quality, unconfined and permeable aquifer with sufficient thickness and storage, permeable surface soils and vadose zone, depth to water table adequate to avoid waterlogging, and moderate hydraulic conductivity to retain recharge.
- Supporting investigations: remote sensing, hydro‑meteorological and hydrological studies, hydrogeological and hydrochemical analysis, geophysical surveys, and soil infiltration testing to evaluate recharge potential and storage capacity.
- Environmental impact assessment and monitoring: guidance on monitoring recharge structures, water levels (piezometry), and water quality to detect impacts (e.g., salinity, contamination) and ensure effectiveness.
- Regulatory note: some options (for example aquifer‑to‑aquifer interconnection) may be restricted by local regulations.
Practical applications
- Augmenting depleted aquifers and improving groundwater sustainability in over‑exploited areas.
- Conserving and storing surplus surface water (runoff or canal flows) for later use.
- Diluting or improving groundwater quality where salinity or contamination is a concern.
- Designing and operating recharge facilities such as percolation tanks, recharge basins, check dams, and managed aquifer recharge (MAR) schemes.
Who should use this standard
- Hydrogeologists, water‑resource engineers, and environmental consultants developing artificial recharge projects.
- Water utilities, irrigation authorities, and municipal planners evaluating recharge options.
- Regulators and policymakers needing technical guidance on recharge methods and monitoring requirements.
Related standards
- ISO 772 (Hydrometry - Vocabulary and symbols) is referenced for terms and definitions applicable to this Technical Report.
Keywords: ISO/TR 13973:2014, artificial recharge to groundwater, groundwater recharge techniques, recharge basins, ditch and furrow, managed aquifer recharge, hydrological monitoring, hydrogeological studies.