Recharge Zone

A recharge zone is an area where water, primarily from rainfall or surface runoff, infiltrates the ground and replenishes underground aquifers—natural underground reservoirs of water. These zones are typically permeable, allowing water to pass through soil and rock easily. Recharge zones are crucial for maintaining the supply of groundwater used for drinking, agriculture, and industry. They can be identified beneath natural features like sandy soils or gravel beds, or artificially enhanced through managed recharge projects. Protecting recharge zones from pollution and overuse ensures the sustainability of groundwater resources.