SITING ENHANCED AQUIFER RECHARGE STRUCTURES USING RANKING METHODS TO IMPROVE SITE SELECTION EFFICIENCY IN THE ARBUCKLE-SIMPSON AQUIFER

The Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer (ASA) in south-central Oklahoma serves as a critical water resource for local communities, agriculture, and regional ecosystems, discharging naturally at rates up to 19,000 gallons per minute. However, extensive municipal and agricultural withdrawals have resulted in significant depletion, necessitating innovative recharge strategies. This study explores the potential for Managed Aquifer Recharge using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach. The aquifer's carbonate rock composition, characterized by karstic features and complex fault systems, supports significant infiltration potential. A GIS-based multi-criteria analysis (GIS-MCA) integrates geological maps, LiDAR-derived fault data, soil properties, surface slope, and potentiometric surface data to identify and rank optimal locations for recharge structures. Faults are prioritized for enhancing vertical water movement, while sandy soils are identified as ideal for infiltration. Additional criteria include potentiometric surface depths exceeding 25 feet and surface slopes indicative of subsurface faulting. Identified sites are developed in collaboration with property owners, with recharge structures constructed and monitored using existing wells to assess water level changes and evaluate recharge effectiveness. This study demonstrates the utility of GIS-MCA as a tool for site selection and monitoring, offering a scalable framework for aquifer recharge initiatives. By integrating geologic and hydrologic insights, this research provides a replicable methodology for sustainable water management and long-term aquifer viability in regions experiencing groundwater depletion.