Enhanced Aquifer Recharge Performance and Potential Risk in Different Regional and Hydrogeologic Settings

One of the high-priority research areas identified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) is to establish best practices for enhanced aquifer recharge including the use of impaired sources of water. Under the 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the responsibility for ensuring public water systems provide safe drinking water is divided among EPA, states, tribal nations, water systems and the public (U.S. EPA 2022). The WRAP was developed in collaboration with federal, state, tribal, local, and water sector partners to build technical, financial, and institutional capacity for communities to drive progress on water reuse practices. This research is relevant to WRAP action 7.4 on increasing the understanding of current aquifer storage and recovery practices. The Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program’s goal is to stimulate and support scientific and engineering research that advances EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment.

See Section III of the funding opportunity announcement for eligibility information.