Recharge enhancement to prevent saltwater intrusion in coastal Spain

摘要

On the Spanish Mediterranean coast, known as Levantc, the demand for water is very high, due to the large permanent Spanish population and to the summer influx of tourists. Most of the water need must he satisfied with groundwater, which is both more abundant and of generally better quality than surface water. In the area of this study there are frequent water deficits (mainly in summer time), the consequences of which are reflected in diminished water quality and the necessity to impose restrictions. The Spanish Geological Survey and the provincial government of Alicante, in the light of these problems, planned and carried out studies to develop the artificial recharge of groundwater in the Vergel coastal aquifer. A recharge plant was designed, following viability studies of artificial recharge from a technical point of view, and after creating a mathematical flow model. This plant consists of a series of recharge wells. The results obtained indicate that the water resources of the aquifer increased by up to 14%, depending on the rainfall during the year in question.