Problems and promise of managed recharge in karstified aquifers

Abstract

Managed aquifer recharge can store surface water as safe and reliable groundwater for later recovery. However, most options are problematic in karstic aquifers due to complex hydrodynamics reducing their effectiveness and hence general applicability. River bank filtration and urban stormwater infiltration systems are among the main managed recharge approaches to cope with this complexity. Experiences in Lebanon demonstrate the viability of these and other options in karstic domains.