The New 4G Ranch Wetlands Recharge Aquifers

The feasibility of using wetlands to manage reclaimed water and create regional benefits to the water resources of the region was investigated by Pasco County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Recommendations included constructed infiltration wetlands for groundwater recharge in areas of drawdown caused by regional public water supply wellfields. A public-private partnership was created to use private land for the project. The design consists of 15 wetland cells with a total area of 176 acres.Groundwater modeling suggested that up to 5 mgd of recharge is expected. Benefits include recharge to the Upper Floridan and surficial aquifers and rehydration of nearby natural wetland. Water quality modeling revealed that nitrogen levels in the reclaimed water would be reduced to near background before it reaches groundwater.This manuscript describes the design, the approaches to forecasting aquifer recharge and water quality performance, and performance data for the first year of operation.