Utilizing Remote Sensing Data to Locate Managed Aquifer Recharge Facilities Using Floodwater

Climate projections from the IPCC for the Mediterranean indicate anticipated increases of up to 3.5ºC in average temperatures and a consequential reduction of approximately 10% in precipitation. Such projections suggest a shift in climatic regimes, predicting an escalation in extreme events, particularly floods. In the face of water scarcity, diverting floodwater to the sea signifies a significant loss of a valuable resource. Enabling the recharge of this water into the aquifer not only increases water resources but also mitigates flood severity and enhances resilience against droughts.

To identify optimal locations for aquifer recharge strategies, the integration of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) proves invaluable. In this study, we coupled both tools to propose a methodology for locating the best places for Managed Aquifer Recharge using floodwater. For that, we have processed a set of river images using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to evaluate the evolution of river width. Subsequently, this data was integrated into a proposed multicriteria analysis to determine the optimal location for MAR. Upon establishing the methodology, we applied it to the Llobregat River (Spain), a crucial source of groundwater supplying Barcelona. Located in the Mediterranean region, the aquifer is particularly vulnerable to the impending droughts predicted by the IPCC.