GroundwaterU Video Summary

A unique Managed Aquifer Recharge system in the Netherlands has been operating for more than 60 years. This video shows and describes how a large part of Dutch tap water comes from rivers canals and lakes that constitute the recharge system, which has several unique features. It is an example of how artificial recharge can prevent depletion of aquifers.

The system is very close to the sea. As a result, it helps prevent seawater intrusion into the aquifer. It has 40 infiltration basins and a total area of 85 hectares in which 55 million cubic meters per year infiltrates into the sand aquifer. Even if infiltration ceases, groundwater extraction can continue for more than two months. The system therefore safeguards drinking water supply and has other attractive functions, such as nature conservation education and some types of recreation like walking and running cycling. Infiltrating surface water balances groundwater extractions. The groundwater is still the best source for drinking water because of its constant quality and lack of pathogens. Large open reservoirs would be an alternative, but storage in the subsurface has definite advantages: it is better protected against pollution, and also algae blooms do not occur underground. The groundwater does not evaporate, and passage through the subsurface turns the infiltrated water into a safe source since it frees it from the pathogens and ensures a much more constant quality and temperature than surface water. Almost continuously, 150 million liters per day flows into the basins and infiltrates at a rate of 20 centimeters per day.

About this Video

Source: youtu.be/y4BSh8xKv5I
Video Creator: World Waternet
Recommended/Summary by: Andrew Cohen
Curated by GroundwaterU on: 03/18/2022

Video Language: English
Video Category: Science/Engineering
Multimedia Type: Film/Pictures
Presentation Style: Other
Technical Level: Beginner