Managed Aquifer Recharge – State of the art, needs and possibilities in Hungary

Water replenishment has long been a used method in water management in Hungary and internationally as well. However, Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) as a concept is relatively young. By definition, it is the intentional recharge of water to suitable aquifers for subsequent recovery or to achieve environmental benefits. There are several benefits of creating MAR systems, in terms of water quantity, water quality and the environment. Their application can, among others, promote long-term security of water supply, increase water reserves, reduce the adverse effects of floods and runoff, and improve water quality. These methods include induced bank filtration, for which Hungary is at the forefront thanks to its 150 years of operating experience. MAR systems also include surface spreading and well injection methods, which are also known in Hungary, but are not widespread. Hungary is a transit country in terms of surface waters, so there is a growing demand for water retention and local utilization, primarily for agricultural and irrigation purposes. Several measures of the Hungarian River Basin Management Plan (2015) also point in this direction. Managed Aquifer Recharge can provide a solution to adapt to climate change thus ensure a more stable water supply. The aim of the authors is to present the current state of the art and the international trends regarding MAR methods to promote the more widespread application in Hungary, which can help to optimize water management and meet water needs.