A Preliminary Assessment of Hydrogeologic Suitability for Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) in North-Central Texas

By

CHASTAIN-HOWLEY, ANDREW

WPRC, Fort Worth, TX,

PYNE, R. DAVID G.

ASR Systems, Gainesville, FL

The technology of Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) is increasingly being used throughout the United States, including 53 operating systems in 14 states as of January 2002. While reliance on groundwater has recently decreased in the urban areas of Dallas and Fort Worth, more creative conjunctive use of existing surface and groundwater resources can meet the ever-increasing water demands of this region at reduced cost.

ASR is a water management strategy which can give significant value and cost-savings to the existing supply systems. Several criteria govern ASR applicability for any area, these criteria include hydrogeologic suitability which, in general, is governed by the characteristics of the storage aquifer. However, the sites where ASR would provide the greatest benefit do not always correlate with the areas having the most favorable aquifer characteristics. A competent confining unit is usually desirable, as well as adequate yield from individual wells. Groundwater quality is not often a significant constraint since many operating ASR systems are storing water in brackish aquifers. Seasonal variability in water supply, water demand and/or source water quality is also necessary.

In the north-central Texas region, the hydrogeologic framework of the main aquifers (Twin Mountain / Antlers, Paluxy and Woodbine aquifers) and their confining units do, on the whole, appear suitable for ASR development. In general, the suitability increases towards the east of the study area.

This paper outlines the hydrogeologic suitability of the aquifer systems within the north-central Texas region.