Feasibility of Managed Aquifer Recharge in Southwest Kansas

In this paper, the feasibility of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) for southwestern Kansas was investigated. Multiple sources of water for MAR were investigated, including rainfall-runoff from fields, use of low-flow or ephemeral rivers and streams, and use of a large regional river. Use of the Arkansas River was found to be the most viable source of water. Construction of infiltration basins in existing sand mines was found to be the best MAR alternative in this region. The requirement for the reclamation of sand mines set out by the State of Kansas fits the requirements of infiltration basins, and there exists a local ditch system that can convey Arkansas River flows to the basins with little need of new construction. The salinity of the Arkansas River is of concern. The negative impact of this could be reduced by selecting salt-tolerant crops. This investigation is relevant throughout the State of Kansas, leading to the possibility that another region would have more suitable conditions.