Schematic representation of the aquifer complexes (GWLK) in Brandenburg
These models enable us to look sharply into the subsurface. We ask how, where, how fast, and whether groundwater flows in the different aquifers. We are currently determining how old the water is and monitoring groundwater levels in field measurements. At present, for example, the water for drinking water supply in Brandenburg is primarily extracted from the second aquifer. This water was formed approximately 50–100 years ago. Groundwater droughts lead to withdrawals from deeper aquifers and older water. On the one hand, these are finite resources and, on the other hand, older water also has different chemical properties, which in turn may require treatment measures.
In your project, you outline ways to artificially enrich groundwater. How is this done?
One of our proposals for limiting the groundwater problem in the long term is managed aquifer recharge (MAR), i.e., artificial groundwater recharge. We analyze where and when water can be extracted from surface waters and then stored in underground aquifers using the appropriate infiltration method. Heavy rainfall deserves particular attention in this context. Sometimes, precipitation water leaves the model region's system as base and intermediate runoff without contributing to groundwater recharge. This is due, among other things, to impermeable layers of rubble soil in the ground.