Aquifer Storage and Recovery

Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is the storage of water in a suitable aquifer through a well during times when water is available, and the recovery of water from the same aquifer during times when it is needed (Texas Water Code §27.151). Aquifer recharge (AR), sometimes called managed aquifer recharge (MAR), is the intentional recharge of an aquifer by means of injection well or other means of infiltration (Texas Water Code §27.201).
Goals of Aquifer Storage and Recovery Program:
- Conduct ASR & AR studies
- Information acquisition
- Public outreach
- Project facilitation
In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 721 that directs the TWDB to conduct a statewide survey of various major and minor aquifers to identify the relative suitability of aquifers for use in ASR projects and aquifer recharge projects based on several considerations and submit a report that summarizes the statewide survey to the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker by December 15, 2020 (Texas Water Code §11.155). In addition, the TWDB is directed to (1) conduct studies of aquifer storage and recovery projects or aquifer recharge projects in the state water plan or identified by interested persons, (2) work with appropriate interested persons to conduct studies, and (3) share the results of studies with regional water planning groups and interested parties. House Bill 720 also passed by the 86th Texas Legislature allows unappropriated water, including stormwater and floodwater, to be appropriated for aquifer recharge projects and ASR projects (Texas Water Code §11.023, 11.157, and 11.158).
Statewide Survey of Aquifer Suitability for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Projects or Aquifer Recharge Projects
TWDB ASR & AR in Texas maps
Download the Aquifer Storage and Recovery and Aquifer Recharge in Texas map in PDF format
Download the Planned Aquifer Storage and Recovery and Aquifer Recharge in Texas map in PDF format