Assessing Economic Feasibility of Managed Aquifer Recharge Schemes: Evidence from Cost-benefit Analysis in Poland

The accelerated growth of water demand globally calls for promising solutions in the field of water management. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems are among the solutions that are capable of increasing water supply and improving water quality through natural attenuation processes. Along with hydrogeologic considerations and institutional feasibility assessments, economic analysis is essential when evaluating MAR projects. This study is the first one to provide an economic feasibility assessment of a MAR scheme in Poland by performing a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) combined with a contingent valuation study to identify the willingness-to-pay, sensitivity analysis to address uncertainty regarding the realisation of benefits and costs together with expert assessment of socio-economic risks associated with the MAR scheme implementation. The results suggest that the total economic value of the MAR scheme’s extension (which includes both use and non-use benefits) exceeds the costs of putting this system in place and maintaining it. This paper can contribute to the existing literature as a practical example providing the base for economic assessment and policy considerations of future sustainable water management projects.