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Selected techniques for monitoring water movement through unsaturated alluvium during managed aquifer recharge

October 21, 2016

Managed aquifer recharge is used to augment natural recharge to aquifers. It can be used to replenish aquifers depleted by pumping or to store water during wetter years for withdrawal during drier years. Infiltration from ponds is a commonly used, inexpensive approach for managed aquifer recharge.

At some managed aquifer-recharge sites, the time when infiltrated water arrives at the water table is not always clearly shown by water-level data. As part of site characterization and operation, it can be desirable to track downward movement of infiltrated water through the unsaturated zone to identify when it arrives at the water table.

Publication Year 2016
Title Selected techniques for monitoring water movement through unsaturated alluvium during managed aquifer recharge
DOI 10.3133/ofr20161180
Authors Joseph M. Nawikas, David R. O'Leary, John A. Izbicki, Matthew K. Burgess
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 2016-1180
Index ID ofr20161180
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization California Water Science Center