Restoring springs as the basis of a living hydrological system
Concept
Springs are natural outlets of groundwater to the surface. They reflect the state of the entire drainage basin and serve as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem.
The disappearance of springs is almost always associated not with the source itself, but with disruptions to water accumulation and infiltration processes upslope. Therefore, spring restoration begins not at the source, but at the watersheds and upper and middle slopes.
The main principle:
A spring can't be "created." Natural processes can be restored, which will begin to nourish it again.
The main reasons for the disappearance of springs
Infiltration disorder
forest degradation;
soil compaction;
disappearance of humus;
increase in surface runoff.
Slope erosion
formation of ravines;
loss of fertile soil layer;
reduction in the water-holding capacity of the soil.
Changing riverbeds
artificial straightening of streams;
deep erosion;
drainage of adjacent territories.
Excessive water withdrawal
intensive use of groundwater;
lowering the piezometric level of aquifers.
Climate change
prolonged droughts;
reduction of snow reserves;
increase in the intensity of rainfall.
The main objectives of the project
Mountain Springs Recovery System aimed at:
restoration of spring water supply;
increasing the water retention time in the mountains;
stabilization of underground flow;
increasing the flow rate of existing sources;
restoration of dried-up springs where the hydrogeological conditions of their existence have been preserved;
protection of water quality;
creation of a sustainable hydrological network.
The principle of recovery
The work is carried out from top to bottom.
The first stage
Restoration of watersheds.
The second stage
Restoration of the upper slopes.
The third stage
Formation of a forest "sponge".
The fourth stage
Slowing down of streams.
The fifth stage
Replenishment of aquifers.
The sixth stage
Restoring water outlet.
Only after the entire system has been restored can work be carried out directly at the spring.
Hydrogeological survey
Before starting work, an analysis is carried out:
geological structure;
aquifers;
rock fracturing;
directions of underground flow;
seasonal fluctuations in water levels;
water quality;
debit change history.
Based on this data, a hydrogeological model of the site is created.
Restoring the food zone
The main objective is to increase the volume of water entering the aquifer.
Used:
microterrace;
infiltration bowls;
contour ditches;
reforestation;
biochar;
mulching;
humus restoration;
development of mycorrhiza.
Formation of forest sponge
The greatest attention is paid to the second and third cascades.
Created:
multi-tiered forests;
deep forest floor;
developed root system;
mushroom nets;
rich humus horizon.
It is these elements that ensure long-term accumulation of moisture.
Working with streams
If necessary, the following are created:
stone thresholds;
widening of channels;
infiltration zones;
sediment traps;
coastal forest belts.
This reduces the flow rate and increases groundwater recharge.
Restoration of the spring
After power is restored, work is carried out directly at the water outlet.
Main events:
cleaning the source output;
removal of sediment and debris;
strengthening the exit area with natural stone;
protection against erosion;
elimination of pollution;
arrangement of a sanitary zone.
Only materials that do not disturb the natural flow of water are used.
Spring protection zone
A protective area is formed around each source.
The following are prohibited:
construction;
storage of materials;
use of chemicals;
movement of heavy equipment;
grazing directly at the water outlet.
If necessary, boardwalks and ecological paths are provided to reduce trampling.
Plant communities
In the immediate area of the spring
mosses;
liverworts;
moisture-loving ferns;
sedges;
local hydrophilic plants.
Buffer zone
alder;
elm;
willows;
ash (at some distance);
viburnum;
buckthorn.
The selection of species is carried out taking into account the natural conditions of a particular region.
Working in a drought
If the system is working properly:
water continues to slowly flow from the aquifer;
the flow rate of the source decreases gradually, and does not disappear instantly;
An ecological minimum of runoff is maintained.
It should be taken into account that in conditions of extremely prolonged droughts, some sources may temporarily dry up even if the catchment area is well restored.
Work during abnormal rainfall
Recovered system:
reduces sudden rise in water level;
increases infiltration;
protects the spring from erosion;
reduces sediment intake;
maintains water quality.
Monitoring
Living Mountain Observatory monitors:
debit;
water temperature;
electrical conductivity;
mineralization;
pH;
turbidity;
seasonal fluctuations;
groundwater level;
chemical composition of water;
biological indicators.
Digital passport of the spring
Each source receives a digital passport.
It includes:
coordinates;
height;
geology;
aquifer type;
debit;
seasonal dynamics;
water quality;
photographs;
restoration history;
monitoring data;
security zone;
connected streams and catchment area.
TREE AeroSense
Used for:
LiDAR mapping;
thermal imaging search for hidden sources;
spectral analysis of humidity;
identification of infiltration zones;
vegetation monitoring.
Mountain Digital Twin
The digital twin models:
spring feeding;
groundwater movement;
drought scenarios;
consequences of heavy rains;
change in flow rate;
the impact of restoration measures.
Integration
Mountain Springs Recovery works in partnership with:
DREVO Mountain Sponge— restoration of water accumulation;
Upper Slopes Restoration System- increased infiltration;
Middle Slopes Restoration System— formation of forest sponge;
Ravine & Stream Restoration System— regulation of riverbeds;
Living Mountain Observatory— monitoring;
Mountain Digital Twin— digital modeling;
TREVO AeroSense Drone- remote control.
Expected results
After restoration of the catchment area, the following is expected:
stabilization of the spring regime;
increasing the time of their functioning during dry periods;
restoration of some previously dried-up springs in the presence of preserved hydrogeological conditions;
improving water quality;
rising groundwater levels;
increase in base flow of rivers;
reduction of erosion;
increasing the resilience of the entire mountain ecosystem.
Project mission
DREVO Mountain Springs Recoveryviews the spring not as an isolated object, but as a manifestation of the health of the entire mountain watershed. Restoration begins with the water, soil, and forest on the upper slopes and culminates in the revival of springs, which once again become natural centers of life, biodiversity, and sustainable water supply.