Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Opportunities for Agriculture in NSW

Project overview

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of water into groundwater aquifers for recovery or environmental benefit. It can improve water security and provide a drought reserve, as water stored underground won’t evaporate like water stored in surface dams.

This detailed desktop study will map opportunities for MAR across New South Wales (NSW). The project builds on CSIRO’s previous rapid appraisal of managed aquifer recharge opportunities.

MAR infrastructure has the potential to improve water security. It can build resilience for existing water users, including communities.

Goals of the assessment

This project aims to progress opportunities for MAR to increase water security in suitable locations in NSW. It provides a step between the previous national overview and a more detailed investigation of suitable locations for MAR.

The assessment will:

• Develop more detailed maps across NSW, showing where conditions would support further investigation of MAR opportunities. Outputs of the assessments will include:
  • maps of region-specific MAR opportunities
  • regional-scale estimates of likely recharge, storage and recovery potential
  • prioritised lists and hotspot maps of areas with most potential to guide future site-specific detailed investigations MAR scheme feasibility and viability
  • data and metadata supporting the map products, to be published where licencing allows
  • an accompanying technical report and plain English summary document explaining the study.