Enhanced aquifer recharge (EAR) has tremendous potential as a process to replenish and supplement existing groundwater supplies. EAR using stormwater, however, also presents a risk of groundwater contamination. In EAR application, it is important to understand not only the quantity of water that can be replenished, but also the potential impacts to water quality.

This webinar will highlight the following ongoing EPA and EPA supported research investigating the application and potential impacts to water quality using EAR technologies: (1) state of the science on information leading to best practices for EAR using stormwater; (2) methods currently being investigated to understand water movement and quality in karst aquifers; and (3) highlights of a recently completed field project supported by EPA to evaluate green infrastructure system pollutant removal performance in the arid Intermountain West and to document the potential for stormwater harvesting and groundwater recovery to enhance water availability in Utah’s Salt Lake Valley.