Aquifer Storage Recovery may be conducted using injection and extraction wells, or infiltration ponds, depending on aquifer characteristics and the suitability of available recharge sites. There are usually three phases to any ASR project:

·        Phase 1:      Feasibility

·        Phase 2:      Test Program Design and Operation

·        Phase 3:      Full-scale Project Implementation

·        Feasibility. Phase 1 studies evaluate the dynamics of groundwater flow and recharge within the specific system. A primary concern is the identification of basin compartmentalization or impermeable layers within the aquifer which inhibit recharge. Also important are concerns about chemical mixing of surface waters and native groundwater, hydrogeologic variability within the aquifers, and the nature of probable migration of recharged water.

·        Test Program Design and Operation. Based on results of the feasibility analysis, a test program will be designed. This work includes chemical and physical modeling of recharge options, detailed chemical analyses of co-mingled waters which have different initial chemical signatures, and measurement of recharge rates in the test program.

·        Full Scale Project Implementation. Test program results are used to recommend final, full-scale program parameters, including; sites for additional wells or infiltration ponds (if necessary), potential future options for surface water sources, recharge management planning during regular operations, and necessary monitoring. Our focus at this stage is to keep the system design flexible, so that changing needs of the client can be integrated with existing recharge operations and facilities.

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