Field sites
Atlantis aquifer field site
The Atlantis site already has an active MAR system, which has been in operation for over 40 years using an inlet of a mixture of reclaimed- and storm water infiltrated via infiltration ponds. Although the site has been running successfully, there have been incidents of low-quality water entering the system and the facility could benefit largely from a built-in treatment technology to aid removing potential harmful constituents from the source water.
The impacts of climate change are apparent at the site as seen from fluctuating groundwater tables. Storage of water for later reuse by Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR), a variant of MAR, has therefore drawn special attention as a technology to provide safe water to the public during droughts.
Langebaan road aquifer
At present MAR is not applied at the Langebaan road aquifer site, but infrastructure exists, for infiltration of nearby Berg River water, either by direct well injection or pond infiltration. As the salinity varies along the river, it is most suitable for studying at what concentrations saline water can be used directly for MAR or where a pretreatment is required.
The impacts of climate change are apparent at both sites as seen from fluctuating groundwater tables and flow velocities at the Berg River.
