Resolution CNRH No. 153 establishing criteria and guidelines for the implementation of Artificial Refilling of Aquifers in the Brazilian territory.

This Resolution establishes criteria and guidelines for the implementation of Artificial Refilling of Aquifers in the Brazilian territory. In particular, in areas with a history of soil contamination, even if rehabilitated, the specified artificial refilling will not be allowed. The artificial refilling of aquifers can be performed with the objective of: storing water to guarantee water security; Stabilize or raise water levels in aquifers by regularizing seasonal variations; compensate effects of super-exploitation of aquifers; control saline intrusion; control soil subsidence; Other objectives which directly imply artificial refilling of aquifers will be analyzed by the state bodies of water resources. This Resolution is not applicable for the rehabilitation of contaminated aquifers by anthropic activity, for cases of accidental refilling and for processes of re-pressurization of geological formations aiming the recovery of hydrocarbons. The artificial refilling of aquifers will depend on the authorization of the entity or state body for water resources management.