Aquifer Recharge

The process by which water infiltrates from the surface into a subsurface aquifer, replenishing groundwater stores that may be depleted by mining dewatering operations. In mining impact assessment, understanding aquifer recharge rates and mechanisms is critical for predicting mine dewatering impacts, designing groundwater monitoring networks, and developing post-closure water level recovery expectations. Recharge enhancement through managed aquifer recharge may be required as a mitigation measure.