Application of Water-Table Fluctuation Method to Estimate Recharge – An Example of Rio Claro Aquifer

Abstract

Using water level monitoring data obtained from a four years period (2002 to 2005) in a partially penetrating well on Rio Claro Aquifer was possible to construct two time series, showing high frequency variations (less than 24h period)  and low frequency variations (more than 24h period). The hydrograph from seasonal water level variations shows a very similar behavior compared to a surface water hydrograph. It’s demonstrated the application of water-table fluctuation method to estimate total annual recharge and variation of subsurface storage, the results showing the importance of aquifer as regulating reserve to surface water over the study area.