Soil-Aquifer Treatment

Abstract

Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) is an artificial groundwater aquifer recharge option. Water is introduced into the groundwater through soil percolation under controlled conditions. Soil aquifer treatment is either used to artificially augment the groundwater in order to withdraw freshwater again at a later stage or as a barrier to prevent saltwater or contaminants from entering the aquifer. During percolation, natural soil filtration occurs and the water enters the aquifer where mixing and possibly some other physical and chemical reactions may occur. This method can be used with reclaimed water (treated blackwater) or relatively little polluted water (e.g. pre-treated greywater or stormwater).