Recharge is the process by which aquifers are replenished with water from the surface. This process occurs naturally as part of the hydrologic cycleas infiltration when rainfall infiltrates the land surface and as percolation of water into underlying aquifers. A number of factors influence the rate of recharge including physical characteristics of the soil, plant cover, slope, water content of surface materials, rainfall intensity, and the presence and depth of confining layers and aquifers.

Surface waterbodies may also recharge ground water. This occurs most often in arid areas. Lakes and dry creek beds may fill up with water during heavy rains. If the water table is low in underlying aquifers, water may seep from the sides of these water bodies and percolate into the ground water.

In some places, artificial recharge is used to replenish aquifers. This is accomplished through the pumping, or injection, of water into wells where it replenishes the aquifer directly or through the spreading of water over the land surface where it can seep into the ground. Artificial recharge is done to replenish the ground water supply when rains are heavy in order to preserve water for later use or, in the case of injection wells, to dilute or control the flow of contaminated ground water.

Return to Hydrogeology Menu

© Copyright