Integration of Managed Aquifer Recharge into the Water Supply System in the Algarve Region, Portugal

The Algarve region of Portugal is experiencing severe water scarcity with existing supplies insufficient to meet demand, limited resilience drought. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can provide intermediate storage and bridge the gap between availability success depending on available capacity accept store water. We present results a regional study quantifying both these aspects estimate potential for MAR. Our demonstrate that MAR comprise 10% total demand (24 Mm3/yr) using not otherwise captured, quality meets requirements Groundwater Directive. replace 15 Mm3/yr surface used in public irrigation perimeters 9 be develop maintain strategic groundwater resource aquifers Central Algarve. Although climate change predicted result an 8–13% decrease recharge, this addressed by incrementally increasing design capacity. has similar benefits planned major infrastructure projects (desalination River Guadiana abstraction), reduced environmental impacts lower costs than almost all feasible alternatives. conclude important measure increase supply security drought region.