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Anne Imig
March 1, 2023 @ 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Assessing managed aquifer recharge as a sustainable measure for groundwater management – An application for Grand Bahama
A large storm surge caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 resulted in saltwater intrusion into the aquifers of Grand Bahama Island. This caused 40% of the island’s water supply to become brackish with no or slow recovery to date. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is investigated as a nature-based solutions to mitigate the impacts of Hurricane Dorian. First, a technical assessment of MAR investigates (hydro-) geological aspects. As a result, potential locations for a MAR scheme are proposed. Further, a financial and an extended cost-benefit analysis (CBA) integrating ecosystem services (ES) assessments are conducted for proposed MAR measures. Based on the current data availability, results indicate that the MAR scheme is technically feasible. However, it will not be able to provide the water demand and is not favorable from a financial perspective in comparison to a desalinization plant. The results of this study proofs the technical feasibility and the added value of restoring the groundwater ecosystem on Grand Bahama, but also highlight that high costs are connected with it. Due to the high costs the added value should be reevaluated and further data should be collected to support the findings.