Aquifer Recharge Calculator

Estimate groundwater aquifer recharge from rainfall infiltration based on area, rainfall, and soil permeability.

acres
inches
%

Annual Recharge

72.9 acre-feet

Annual Recharge (Gallons)23,759,969 gallons
Daily Average65,096 gallons/day
Households Supplied217 homes

Annual Recharge vs Recharge Area

How to Calculate Aquifer Recharge

Aquifer recharge is the natural or managed process of water percolating into underground aquifers.

Formula

Recharge (acre-feet) = Area * Rainfall * Infiltration % / 12

1 acre-foot = 325,851 gallons

Typical Infiltration Rates

  • Sandy soil: 40-80%
  • Loam soil: 20-40%
  • Clay soil: 5-15%
  • Urban (impervious): 5-10%
  • Example Calculation

    100 acres of loam soil receiving 35 inches rainfall with 25% infiltration.

    1. 01Recharge: 100 * 35 * 0.25 / 12 = 72.9 acre-feet
    2. 02In gallons: 72.9 * 325,851 = 23,762,833 gallons
    3. 03Daily average: 23,762,833 / 365 = 65,103 gallons/day
    4. 04Homes served: 65,103 / 300 = 217 homes

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