Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) research program
Barwon Water is embarking on a new research program into Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR).
Aquifer Storage and Recovery works by injecting water into the ground through a bore.
ASR is a method of storing water underground where it is treated by natural processes before being recovered for later use. The research program will help us determine whether ASR could be an effective and efficient option to provide customers with recycled water. If it proves viable, ASR could revolutionise water storage in the future.
Barwon Water is one of the first water businesses in Victoria to undertake ASR research, although the process is used successfully interstate and overseas.
How it works
ASR works by injecting water into the ground through a bore. Injected water is contained between solid layers of clay or rock, where it can't escape or flow away. The injected water forms a "bubble" around the injection point.
Benefits
Benefits of ASR over traditional surface water storage (such as reservoirs) include:
- larger storage volumes
- minimal surface footprint
- no evaporation losses
- typically lower infrastructure costs
- minimal environmental impact
- natural underground filtration.
Our research program
Barwon Water is conducting ASR research at 3 sites:
- north of Anglesea (Upper Eastern View aquifer)
- Armstrong Creek (Waurn Ponds aquifer)
- west of Geelong (Batesford aquifer).
Currently, 6 research bores have been drilled on private properties north of Anglesea.
During the research phase, only groundwater (previously extracted) will be injected into the bores. The eventual source of water may be recycled water, stormwater, or even excess surface water.
No project is currently committed beyond the research phase.
The research phase is expected to be completed by July 2011.
More information
For more information, please refer to the latest community information bulletin or contact us.