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Clogging and Contamination Processes in Recharge Wells
Author(s) -
Rebhun M.,
Schwarz J.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr004i006p01207
Subject(s) - groundwater recharge , clogging , aquifer , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , organic matter , hydraulic conductivity , contamination , depression focused recharge , groundwater , environmental engineering , geology , soil science , geotechnical engineering , chemistry , soil water , ecology , geography , archaeology , organic chemistry , biology
Artificial recharge of production wells by water from a lake is practiced in Israel on a large scale. The observed clogging of recharge wells and contamination of water pumped in dual purpose wells are attributed to small concentrations of organic suspended matter in recharge water. Processes surveyed in the field and simulated in a laboratory column system lead to the conclusion that organics are filtered out near the recharging well, reducing hydraulic conductivity in fine textured aquifers. Bacterial contamination and organic material decomposition are inhibited until recharge termination, as growth control components are present in recharge water. A short time after recharge termination (about 2 days) conditions become favorable to organic material decomposition and bacterial growth. High coliform bacteria counts are observed for about 50 days. To avoid the difficulties encountered, it is suggested that recharge wells be redeveloped by small volume pumpage.