How to plan, build and operate a MAR scheme

To help you design, build and manage a successful managed aquifer recharge scheme, whether a domestic or non-domestic scheme, the following information is available:

• Australian guidelines for managing stormwater harvesting and reuse
• Australian guidelines for managed aquifer recharge 
• Code of Practice for aquifer storage and recovery
• MAR Stages and Regulatory Approvals Flowchart
• MAR Recharge Stages and Regulatory Approvals Explanatory notes

For non-domestic managed aquifer recharge schemes, the following documents are required to be used in addition to those above when developing the application package prior to a submission to our department or the Environment Protection Authority (EPA):

• Australian guideline for groundwater modelling 
• National Water Quality Management Strategy. 

You may also need to consider:

• The taking of prescribed groundwater and surface water in some areas will require authorisation or licence from the department. Find out if this applies to you.
• Drilling a well requires a well construction permit. 
• Draining domestic rainwater into an aquifer requires a drainage and discharge permit. Find out what information you’ll need to apply for a permit and get the permit form

For Annual Reporting to the EPA and the department, the two agencies have developed a joint Managed Aquifer Recharge Annual Reporting Template to assist the reporting process. 

• MAR-ART Multiple Wells template
• MAR-ART Single Well template

Creating a PivotTable in Excel may assist in utilising the templates for reporting purposes. 

For EPA MAR Licensing enquiries and MAR AR submission contact: epa.marart@sa.gov.au   

For further information or assistance contact us on 8463 6063 or the EPA on 8204 2064. 

Further information 

• Water planning
• Water licences and permits
• Environment Protection Authority
• Taking water and MAR approvals for the Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges