Research on the use of infiltration boreholes for flood mitigation and to enhance groundwater recharge : geo-inf

Abstract

Storm-water collection in ever-growing urban areas is very limited, and the continuous downpour of rainfall over a short period of time, results in flooding. Rainwater reservoirs are becoming scarce and pollutants are contaminating fresh water. The research stands on the innovative idea of using boreholes to collect runoff water from roofs and divert it into the water table, thus recharging the aquifers while reducing the problem of flooding. The experimental study was carried out under the supervision of the University of Malta in collaboration with Sustech Consulting, Solidbase Laboratory, St. Therese College and the Malta Resources Authority. The research includes two main tests, one being permeability testing and analyzing water filtration characteristics of geological formations in order to have a better understanding of the Maltese strata. The other is to arrive to a conclusion on the hypothesis that contamination is reduced as water percolates through the ground. The system coexists with the aim of having minimum costs for filtration and for the methodology for drilling the boreholes. This dissertation focuses mainly on conducting permeability tests both on site and in the lab. After researching and studying different ground properties, fifteen schools were chosen in which further analysis would be carried out through borehole drilling and testing. Principally two different tests would be conducted. These are constantly being referred to throughout the dissertation, especially the ways in which the standard tests can be translated and rebuilt for GEO-INF project.