The Adelaide Plains contain productive limestone aquifers that are well suited to Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR). During winter storm water is harvested and injected underground, while in summer water is recovered for recreational and commercial uses. ASR is a useful tool for freshening brackish aquifers and provides an alternative water source to expensive mains water.
Expansion of ASR in the Adelaide Metropolitan Area has progressively increased from the early 2000’s and consequently winter injection has resulted in Artesian pressure conditions at some locations. Artesian conditions can persist for weeks to months.
Over the past 10 years a number of 3rd party wells have become artesian and flowed in winter. In most cases wells are completed in open spaces with little implication. Injection can continue while head-works are fabricated and wells are ‘shut in’. However, in 2018 a flowing well occurred within a factory floor. This has raised queries as to how many ‘hidden wells’ are buried in proximity to infrastructure. Numerous production wells are completed on the Adelaide Plains whilst historically suburban areas contained market gardens. There may be a number of buried wells unaccounted that emerge as winter injection increases.
This talk discusses current aquifer behaviour on the Adelaide Plains, recent upward trends in confined aquifer pressures and current response strategies to flowing wells. The talk focus on the south-western suburbs of the Adelaide Metropolitan Area.