Hydrogeological experts gathered in Stellenbosch from 14 to 16 September 2026 to explore practical pathways for managed aquifer recharge, a practice in which water is purposefully introduced into underground aquifers to store, treat and secure water resources for future use or environmental benefit.
Hosted by the CSIR, the gathering highlighted the importance of adopting a forward-looking approach to the sustainable management of South Africa’s groundwater resources. The engagement focused on managed aquifer recharge systems in southern Africa, with discussions covering aquifer recharge, geophysics, groundwater monitoring and nature-based solutions for water resource management.
Setting the stage for looking beyond the borehole, CSIR chief researcher Prof. Vhahangwele Masindi remarked that managed aquifer recharge systems have gained prominence in recent decades and outlined the CSIR’s innovative capabilities in support of water sustainability initiatives across South Africa.
Dr Ricky Murray of Groundwater Africa, who developed South Africa’s 2009 artificial aquifer recharge potential map, presented on the 10 success criteria used to evaluate different types of managed aquifer recharge schemes and ensure sustainable artificial groundwater replenishment. He also provided insights into the effectiveness of these criteria in evaluating a range of recharge schemes.
Managed aquifer recharge schemes require a multifaceted approach that combines hydrogeological exploration, numerical modelling, engineering design, environmental assessment and regulatory approval, supported by field trials and ongoing monitoring.
“Implementation practice is showing that there are several factors that determine the outcome of a managed aquifer recharge scheme’s success or failure and I think one of the most important developments was the 2007 Managed Aquifer Recharge Strategy, which summarises those success criteria,” says CSIR senior researcher Dr Nicolette Vermaak.
Currently, there are more than 52 operational managed aquifer recharge schemes in southern Africa that have undergone some form of assessment or feasibility study using the foundational work laid by the managed aquifer recharge 10 success criteria and implementation checklist developed by Murray. “We are receiving specialist-driven guidance from Dr Murray in applying the 10 success criteria of these schemes in a project that the CSIR is managing for the Water Research Commission,” says Vermaak.
In assessing a managed aquifer recharge scheme’s operational capacity, injection testing is conducted to measure how well an aquifer accepts water, determine safe operational pressures and check for potential clogging or chemical reactions before building a full-scale project. Water-stressed provinces like the Eastern Cape could benefit from this technology, as the province often experiences dams on the verge of running dry, making it vulnerable to a Day Zero situation.
“There is potential for a managed aquifer recharge scheme in Gqeberha, although one has not yet been developed,” says Murray. He also provided technical insights into the importance of pre-treatment and the design of injection boreholes, including the use of highly oxygenated water, filters to reduce gas in the water, preventing turbid water devoid of biomass from entering the aquifer, cleaning boreholes and conducting ongoing, regular maintenance of managed aquifer recharge schemes.
The water-sensitive City of Cape Town captured workshop participants’ interest when Associate Professor and Director of the University of Cape Town’s Future Water Institute, Prof. Kirsty Carden, gave a talk on leading the development of two contrasting managed aquifer recharge systems: the Atlantis Water Supply System and the stormwater system in Mitchells Plain. The study sought to determine whether there were any major differences in the types of water being recharged. These two initiatives have successfully addressed operational requirements by integrating biological indicators with hydrochemistry to provide early-warning diagnostic insight into what is happening within the aquifer system.
Dr Gideon Tredoux provided a historical perspective on managed aquifer recharge systems in southern Africa, highlighting that although many factors determine the outcomes of these schemes, it is important to have a champion facilitating implementation to support inclusivity, strengthen relationships between authorities and communities that rely on the water, improve biodiversity awareness and promote the scaling up and institutionalisation of managed aquifer recharge systems for various stakeholder groups.
Published 14 October 2026