Abstract

For better planning of a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) project, the most promising strategies should analyze the environmental impact, socio-economic efficiency, and their contribution to the existing or future water resource conditions in the region. The challenge of such studies is to combine and quantify a wide range of criteria from the environment and society. This necessity leads to an integrated concept and analysis. This paper outlines an integrated approach considering environmental, health, social and economic aspects to support in the decision-making process to implement a managed aquifer recharge project as a potential response to water resource problems. In order to demonstrate the approach in detail, this paper analysed several water resources management strategies based on MAR implementation, by using treated wastewater in the Northern Gaza Strip and the potential impacts of the strategies on groundwater resources, agriculture, environment, health, economy and society. Based on the Palestinian water policy (Year 2005–2025) on wastewater reuse, three MAR strategies were developed in close cooperation with the local decision makers. The strategies were compared with a base line strategy referred to as the so-called “Do Nothing Approach”. The results of the study show that MAR project implementation with treated wastewater at a maximum rate, considered together with sustainable development of groundwater, is the best and most robust strategy amongst those analyzed. The analysis shows the defined MAR strategies contribute to water resources development and environmental protection or improvement including an existing eutrophic lake. The integrated approach used in this paper may be applicable not only to MAR project implementation but also to other water resources and environmental development projects.

Highlights

  • Nowadays, managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is considered as an integral part of integrated water resources management (IWRM)

  • In order to support the decision makers to plan the MAR project, this paper focuses on the impact assessment for several strategies for the implementation and operation of MAR in the Northern Gaza

  • The present study clearly shows the importance of environmental, health, social and economic impact assessment of MAR strategies performing a case study in North Gaza

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Summary

Introduction

Nowadays, managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is considered as an integral part of integrated water resources management (IWRM). Several researchers e.g., [2,3] mentioned that like other IWRM projects, the most promising MAR strategy should study the environmental impact, socio-economic efficiency, and their contribution to the existing or future water resources problem in the region [3]. Proper investigation and planning of MAR projects is important for successful application and can lead to significant risk reduction (e.g., environmental, health) and overall project cost reduction by potentially reducing uncertainties during project implementation. Proper planning requires impartiality and transparency in the evaluation of MAR options, considering explicit assessment of feasibility and cost-effectiveness [4]. Very few research studies have performed an extensive integrated study that consider the potential impacts on the environment, health, economy and society due to MAR project implementation and which select the best project option after intensive impact assessment [5]

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