Jurong island groundwater study : yield enhancement through surface water recharge

Abstract

Jurong Island was formed from the amalgamation of seven offshore islands through land reclamation. The amalgamated island has a land area of about 32 km2, comprising of about 10 km2 of original islands and 22 km2 of reclaimed lands. The island receives an average of 2.5m of rainfall each year. The reclaimed land masses on the island are typically composed of coarse marine sand and have high porosity and hydraulic conductivity, making them ideal man-made aquifers for natural rainwater recharge and groundwater extraction. This study will investigate practical schemes for recharging runoffs from impervious surfaces into the groundwater system, to enhance the sustainable groundwater yield. Such schemes could include bio retention basins, recharge ponds, vertical wells etc. The study will also establish design guides for sizing such recharge systems and estimate the potential increase in groundwater yield through widespread applications of such recharge facilities.