Stormwater harvesting in ephemeral streams: how to bypass clogging and unsaturated layers

Abstract To cope with water scarcity in drylands, stormwater is often collected surface basins and subsequently stored shallow aquifers via infiltration. These harvesting systems are accompanied by high evaporation rates hygiene problems. This commonly a consequence of low infiltration rates, which caused clogging layers that form on top the soil profile presence thick vadose zone. The present study aims to develop conceptual solution increase groundwater recharge systems. efficiency vadose-zone wells trenches tested using analytical equations, numerical models, sensitivity analyses. Dams built channel ephemeral streams (wadis) selected as case construct simulations. modelling demonstrated contribute effective bypassing layer. By implementing these solutions, begins 2250–8100% faster than from bed wadi reservoir. analysis showed especially responsive well length trench depth. In terms quantity, had best performance; it can infiltrate up 1642% more reservoir, between 336 825% trench. Moreover, yield highest cumulative per dollar when there limitations available area. methods investigated here significantly increased providing practical solutions enhance aquifer storage drylands.