Topic: Water Table Fluctuation Method of Recharge Estimation: Critical Review and Application to Complex Conditions

Speaker: Prof. Adrian Werner, Flinders University

Time: 9:30-10:30am November 26, 2025

Venue: Meeting Room A901, IGSNRR

Brief Introduction to the report:

The water table fluctuation (WTF) method is the most widely used approach to the estimation of recharge. It relies on empirical extrapolation of water table recession, and yet, it has not been tested previously in a systematic way to examine the accuracy of its main assumptions. This study uses numerical modelling, an analytical solution, and a field case to compare the various alternative approaches to WTF-based recharge estimation.

The results show a systemic under-estimation of recharge that can be minimised by adopting specific techniques, such as depth-dependent specific yield, a fixed time step, and careful evaluation of water table recession to obtain a Master Recession Curve. Their application to a complex field site in North Queensland shows strong correlation to an independent assessment of recharge using 1D numerical simulation.

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