Introduction

Bank filtration as managed surface groundwater interaction

Bank filtration as managed surface groundwater interaction

CP-2009-03
Bank filtration as managed surface groundwater interaction

Thomas Grischek, Chittaranjan Ray

Riverbank Filtration (RBF) is a managed surface-groundwater interaction process where surface water is induced to flow to pumping wells installed on the banks of rivers and lakes. We present the surface-groundwater interaction issues at various geomorphologic settings, from the headwaters of a river to its confluence with the oceans/lakes. In each reach, the factors for the sustainable operation of RBF systems are discussed. Siting of wells with respect to the river/lake, scouring and clogging of the river beds and the resulting impacts on pollutant removal, managing the wells during floods, and RBF at other settings have been addressed.

Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Grischek, T. and Ray, C. (2009) ‘Bank filtration as managed surface groundwater interaction’, Int. J. Water, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp.125139