A three-dimensional mass transport model of the Mannheim Aquifer Storage and Recovery system, Kitchener, Ontario

Simulations of the Mannheim Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) system in Kitchener, Ontario, were completed using a three-dimensional flow and advective-dispersive mass transport model. For all simulations a tracer-based approach was used to follow the movement of injected water throughout the storage and extraction cycles. Research focused on describing the system's response to a yearly cycle comprised of 60 days of injection into the heterogeneous and semi-confined aquifer. This was followed by 180 days of storage, 30 days of recovery, and finally 95 days free of any activity. Prior to simulation of tracer movement, the model was calibrated to pre-injection (steady-state) heads to set the regional gradient which varied between 0.002 and 0.0035. Results showed that migration of injected water had a significant impact on water which replenished the local aquifer or was extracted at off-site wells. Analyses also revealed that only a small proportion of injected water may be extracted at the ASR facility, depending on the layout of recovery wells. Quantitative confirmation of model results is still required to propose a more efficient recovery well configuration.