An investigation of the use of the sustainable drainage for groundwater recharge: a case study

There is a considerable amount of evidence to suggest that the use of groundwater for water supplies in urban areas and developing cities is increasing as surface water supplies become polluted or fully exploited. Other factors include the increase in water demand occurring in response to population growth, with increasing use per capita. However, groundwater resources are only sustainable if the aquifers that provide them can be recharged, and in many localities, natural recharge is thought to be potentially, adversely affected by urbanisation, as this covers large areas with impermeable surfaces such as roads and buildings, which divert much needed water into surface water courses or artificial drainage. The aim of this research is therefore to investigate the use of sustainable drainage for groundwater recharge, using a case study of the area around Leighton Buzzard, in Bedfordshire, England. The detailed objectives of the research on which this thesis is based on includes: conducting comprehensive reviews of the geology, aquifers, groundwater pollution and statutory policies that relate to the study of the area. Within these generic studies, particular emphasis has been given to soil properties, infiltration design structure and the impact of urbanisation on groundwater recharge. Sustainability of groundwater resources have been considered as a primary objective for the authorities, groundwater sustainability and protection goes in parallel with conservation; therefore recharge of groundwater resources through the Sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) achieves the sustainability objective of the environment, therefore SuDS is the most suitable and effective approach to recharge groundwater resources, to minimise environmental risk and to deliver future environmental benefits.