ESTIMATING RECHARGE FOR BRITISH AQUIFERS

This paper reviews methods of estimating recharge for a wide variety of aquifers in Britain. A soil moisture balance technique is used with direct representation of relevant soil and crop properties. Recharge contributions due to rainfall, runoff from impervious areas and leaking water mains and sewers are considered. In many field situations low permeability strata, which overlie the main aquifer, modify the timing and magnitude of the actual recharge. Runoff from less permeable strata can become runoff-recharge at the aquifer outcrop. Reference is made to several case studies.