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GEOREF RECORD

Hydrogeologic considerations of urban development; urban-induced recharge

Beatriz Garcia-Fresca and John M. Sharp
Hydrogeologic considerations of urban development; urban-induced recharge (in Humans as geologic agents, Judy Ehlen (editor), William C. Haneberg (editor) and Robert A. Larson (editor))
Reviews in Engineering Geology (2005) 16: 123-136

Abstract

Urbanization is increasing worldwide, and it has drastic effects on groundwater systems with ramifications for water management. Effects can include overexploitation, subsidence, water quality deterioration, destruction of environmental resources, increased runoff, alteration of the permeability and porosity fields, and changes in recharge. Commonly, it is assumed that recharge decreases, but data indicate the opposite: Groundwater recharge increases because of leaky utility (water and sewage) systems and urban irrigation. Urban areas are hydrologically similar to karst settings because they possess internal drainage (storm sewers), surface streams (paved drainage ways) that flow after heavy rains, and a shallow permeability structure dominated by fractures, conduits, and caves (buried utility trenches, abandoned pipes, etc.) that evolves very quickly. Secondary porosity from underground construction is similar in magnitude to karst secondary porosity. These structures and utility trenches increase permeability and make prediction of groundwater flow and transport difficult. Recharge is grouped into the following categories: direct (from precipitation), indirect (from surface water bodies and leaky utility systems), localized (through preferential pathways such as sinkholes), and artificial. Indirect recharge is commonly ignored in urban water budgets, but water main losses range from 5% to over 60%. Additional recharge comes from leaky sewers, leakage from beneath homes and industries, and irrigation return flow (e.g., lawn overwatering). A case study of Austin, Texas, demonstrates significant indirect recharge and the difficulties in its estimation. Nearly 8% of Austin water main flow is lost to become recharge. However, lawn irrigation may be a larger source.


ISSN: 0080-2018
EISSN: 2169-799X
Coden: GAEGA4
Serial Title: Reviews in Engineering Geology
Serial Volume: 16
Title: Hydrogeologic considerations of urban development; urban-induced recharge
Title: Humans as geologic agents
Author(s): Garcia-Fresca, BeatrizSharp, John M., Jr.
Author(s): Ehlen, Judyeditor
Author(s): Haneberg, William C.editor
Author(s): Larson, Robert A.editor
Affiliation: University of Texas, Department of Geological Sciences, Austin, TX, United States
Affiliation: Radford University, Department of Geology, Radford, VA, United States
Pages: 123-136
Published: 2005
Text Language: English
Publisher: Geological Society of America (GSA), Boulder, CO, United States
References: 93
Accession Number: 2006-037545
Categories: HydrogeologyEnvironmental geology
Document Type: Serial
Bibliographic Level: Analytic
Illustration Description: illus. incl. 7 tables
N31°18'00" - N31°18'00", W97°46'60" - W97°46'60"
Secondary Affiliation: Haneberg Geoscience, USA, United StatesLos Angeles County Department of Public Works, USA, United States
Country of Publication: United States
Secondary Affiliation: GeoRef, Copyright 2017, American Geosciences Institute.
Update Code: 200621
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