How could managed aquifer recharge be feasible in the Coleambally Irrigation Area?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) has been proposed as an innovative water storage method to manage variable water availability in Australian agricultural regions by combatting water shortage whilst addressing groundwater overuse and reducing large evaporative losses from surface storages. MAR innovations involve the recharge of water into aquifers and extraction when needed. However, their uptake has been limited as they are associated with large amounts of uncertainty. We present an argumentation approach to reason about the feasibility of MAR in the Coleambally Irrigation Area in the Murrumbidgee catchment. Three scenarios that focus on managed aquifer recharge and two competing surface water scenarios are developed for the case study area, as well as associated recommendations aimed at the key stakeholders who can initiate change. The approach and scenarios show potential, with future work involving the implementation of the recommendations and the application of the approach to another case study for further refinement.