scope:

MAR projects progress through a series of phases that normally begin with initial planning activities and then continue with design, construction, operation, and finally closure of recharge facilities. This standard follows the progression through these phases, describing the key activities involved in each phase, and includes the economic, environmental, and legal (water rights, laws, and regulations) considerations, and site evaluation and field-testing procedures. Figure 1-1 illustrates the five primary phases of MAR project progression described in this standard. Greater detail of the activities is provided in subsequent sections. As shown by the arrows on Figure 1-1, at many stages of a MAR project, the process may step back to earlier phases as new data are obtained or conditions change.

MAR may be accomplished either by applying water to the ground surface, or shallow subsurface, for infiltration into the underlying aquifers or by injecting it directly into aquifers through wells. MAR projects can be regional in scale, targeting entire aquifer systems or local projects addressing the needs of individual wells or water supply systems. This standard has been developed to cover situations that may occur with many different types of MAR projects in many different types of hydrogeologic settings. This standard also applies to any project regardless of size.