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Pwales - Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)
Published on 14 May 2020
Malta
Malta
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) scheme will involve the intentional recharge of the Pwales coastal aquifer, located in the north of Malta. The Pwales aquifer is an aquifer with a low-qualitative status due to high salinity and nutrient concentration, which makes the water unsuitable for most irrigation purposes. The initial step of the MAR scheme involves the investigation of the hydro-geological characteristics of the area. This is followed by the design and installation of the MAR scheme. An important component of the project is the monitoring of the water quality and level before and after the implementation of the MAR scheme. Recharge will be carried using high-quality reclaimed water (New Water) obtained from the Polishing plant during periods of low demand for this water. The objective of this project is to improve the status of the Pwales groundwater body and make it available for the agricultural sector.
Resources needed
The total cost of the scheme is projected at €850,000 which includes personnel costs for the development and design of the scheme, monitoring equipment and infrastructural work for the development of the recharge scheme.
Evidence of success
This practice hasn't been implemented yet and therefore no results are available. This scheme will be serving as a study on implementing MAR in a coastal aquifer environment.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice will be using reclaimed water from a nearby polishing plant for recharge. During the winter period when demand for reclaimed water is low, the surplus of polished water would be used for managed aquifer recharge, thus providing an example of the integration of recycled water production in a wider water management framework aimed at ensuring the restoration of the status of natural water resources.
Lessons learned during the development of MAR scheme can be transferred to other EU countries. These include process of monitoring water quality and water level, geophysical investigations, modelling, training personnel and understanding the costs of the development of such schemes. Studies obtained from the MAR scheme will further increase our knowledge about this practice, which can be transferred to other MAR schemes both locally and in other EU countries.
Lessons learned during the development of MAR scheme can be transferred to other EU countries. These include process of monitoring water quality and water level, geophysical investigations, modelling, training personnel and understanding the costs of the development of such schemes. Studies obtained from the MAR scheme will further increase our knowledge about this practice, which can be transferred to other MAR schemes both locally and in other EU countries.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Water Services Corporation
Malta
Malta
Contact
Officer