Clogging and Contamination Processes in Recharge Wells

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Abstract
Artificial recharge of production wells by water from a lake is practiced in Israel on a large scale. The observed clogging of recharge wells and contamination of water pumped in dual purpose wells are attributed to small concentrations of organic suspended matter in recharge water. Processes surveyed in the field and simulated in a laboratory column system lead to the conclusion that organics are filtered out near the recharging well, reducing hydraulic conductivity in fine textured aquifers. Bacterial contamination and organic material decomposition are inhibited until recharge termination, as growth control components are present in recharge water. A short time after recharge termination (about 2 days) conditions become favorable to organic material decomposition and bacterial growth. High coliform bacteria counts are observed for about 50 days. To avoid the difficulties encountered, it is suggested that recharge wells be redeveloped by small volume pumpage.

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