Infiltration ponds and basins

Surface spreading and specifically infiltration ponds are among the most applied MAR techniques around the world. They are based on the retention and spreading of water over a mostly flat area in order to enhance infiltration. Infiltration to the unconfined aquifer is enhanced by the construction of excavations, dikes or levees. Surface spreading and infiltration ponds are used when site surface and subsurface characteristics allow the aquifer to be recharged from ground level.

Typical system capacity scale	Household – Town (≈10²m³/year – higher than 10⁶m³/year).
Geology	Unconfined aquifers composed of permeable sedimentary rocks and fractured crystalline rocks.
Topography	Flat or gently sloped terrains to enhance infiltration and reduce clogging.
Soils	Permeable soils able to guaranty water quality standards of the targeted aquifer.
Water source	River water, stormwater, treated water, lake water.
Pre-treatment	Depending on water source quality, mostly to prevent clogging
MAR main objective	Agriculture, domestic, and industrial.
Relative cost	Low – Medium.

Advantages and disadvantages of the system (adapted from IGRAC, 2007):

Advantages

Low infrastructure demand.
Infiltration of large quantities of water at relatively low cost, and maintenance.
Relatively simple anti-clogging procedures.
Pollutants contained in source water may be removed by the soil.

Limitations

Can be applied only to unconfined aquifers.
Requires large flat permeable areas.
Potential for surface water-related diseases.
Potential water pollution.
Potential evaporation (water losses).

Case studies

MAR sites using surface spreading as main infiltration method. Source: Global MAR Portal

Further information

References

IGRAC. (2007). Artificial Recharge of Groundwater in the World.
DEMEAU. (2014). Characterization of European managed aquifer recharge (MAR) sites – Analysis.