International program for restoration of springs, groundwater and natural water balance

International program for restoration of springs, groundwater and natural water balance

Concept

Mountain Springs Recovery (MSR)— is a comprehensive system for the restoration of disappearing and degraded springs, aimed at renewing the natural underground water cycle in mountain ecosystems.

Unlike traditional projects that are limited to clearing the source or constructing a reservoir,Mountain Springs Recoveryconsiders the spring as the end result of the entire drainage basin. Therefore, restoration begins not at the water's outlet, but much higher up—on the watersheds, ridges, and slopes where groundwater flow is generated.

The main principle:

It is impossible to restore a spring without restoring the entire watershed that feeds it.

Project mission

Restore the ability of mountainous areas to naturally accumulate, filter, and gradually release water, restoring sustainable flow rates of springs, streams, and rivers even in the face of climate change.

Main objectives

The program is aimed at:

restoration of disappeared springs;

increasing groundwater recharge;

increasing the infiltration of atmospheric precipitation;

reduction of surface runoff;

restoration of forest soils;

stabilization of water flow in rivers;

improving water security for the population;

restoration of water-dependent ecosystems.

Reasons for the disappearance of springs

Before starting work, a comprehensive analysis of the catchment area is carried out.

The most common reasons are:

deforestation;

soil degradation;

soil compaction;

overgrazing;

linear erosion;

destruction of natural riverbeds;

straightening of rivers;

draining swamps;

urbanization;

climate change;

excessive water intake.

The main task is to eliminate the root causes, not just the consequences.

Spatial recovery model

First Cascade - Ridges

Main events:

watershed restoration;

snow retention;

fog collection;

soil protection;

anti-erosion measures.

Second Cascade - Upper Slopes

Created:

microterrace;

infiltration ditches;

stone crescents;

cascade;

forest plantations;

systemsDREVO Mountain Sponge.

Third Cascade - Middle Slopes

Mature forest ecosystems are formed.

Developing:

powerful root system;

forest litter;

mycorrhiza;

humus;

high infiltration capacity of the soil.

The Fourth Cascade - Ravines

Created:

thresholds;

bioengineered reinforcements;

small water retention structures;

natural filters.

Fifth Cascade - Foothills

Organized:

infiltration basins;

seasonal reservoirs;

filter fields;

recharge of aquifers.

This is where the main accumulation of groundwater occurs.

Working directly with springs

After the restoration of the catchment area, local measures are carried out.

Search for ancient sources

Used:

archival maps;

historical documents;

stories of local residents;

hydrogeological studies;

LiDAR;

geophysical methods;

TREE AeroSense Drone.

Clearance

The following are removed:

artificial blockages;

construction waste;

contaminated sediments;

invasive vegetation.

Natural stone structures are preserved.

Restoring water flow

Used:

natural stone;

gravel;

sand;

mosses;

wood;

local vegetation.

Full concrete lining is avoided unless required to protect the source.

Protective zone

A protected area is created around each spring.

The following are prohibited:

intensive grazing;

use of chemicals;

construction;

pollution;

plowing.

Spring forests

Moisture-loving local species are planted.

For example:

ash tree;

elm;

alder;

willow;

maple;

linden;

local shrubs.

They:

stabilize the temperature;

reduce evaporation;

strengthen the soil;

maintain constant humidity.

Spring swamps

Where possible, small wetland areas are restored.

They:

work as natural water accumulators;

purify water;

support biodiversity;

stabilize the flow rate of springs.

Biological restoration

Particular attention is paid to:

mycorrhiza;

earthworms;

soil microorganisms;

forest litter;

dead wood.

It is these elements that form the long-term capacity of the soil to retain water.

Monitoring

Each spring receives a digital passport.

The following are recorded:

coordinates;

height;

debit;

temperature;

chemical composition of water;

seasonal changes;

photographs;

restoration history;

watershed condition.

Living Mountain Observatory

Automatically measures:

water consumption;

groundwater level;

soil moisture;

temperature;

precipitation;

water quality.

TREVO AeroSense Drone

Controls:

forest condition;

erosion;

development of ravines;

humidity;

condition of the slopes.

Mountain Digital Twin

Creates a digital model of the nutrition of each spring.

Allows:

determine the feeding area;

calculate infiltration;

predict changes in flow rate;

model the impact of various activities.

WOOD AI

Analyzes:

long-term dynamics;

climate change;

forest condition;

efficiency of restoration work;

forecast for the restoration of springs.

The system generates recommendations for watershed management and work priority.

Integration with agriculture

Restored springs become the basis for:

drip irrigation systems;

water supply for farms;

forest nurseries;

pastures;

gardens;

beekeeping.

Water use must correspond to the spring's sustainable flow rate so as not to disrupt its natural functioning.

International integration

Mountain Springs Recovery is merging with:

DREVO Mountain Sponge;

Mountain Forest Corridors;

DREVO Cloud & Mist System;

Living Mountain Observatory;

Mountain Digital Twin;

TREVO AeroSense Drone;

WOOD AI;

WOOD River Rover;

WOOD Clean Rivers;

DREVO Smart Agriculture;

AMCWSRI.

Expected results

Comprehensive restoration allows you to:

increase the flow rate of springs;

restore dried-up springs;

stabilize river flow during dry periods;

raise the groundwater level;

reduce erosion;

improve water quality;

increase biodiversity;

improve the sustainability of agriculture;

strengthen water security in the regions.

Project mission

Mountain Springs Recoveryrestores the spring to its natural role - to be a sustainable source of life for rivers, forests, agriculture and local communities. In combination withDREVO Mountain Sponge, Mountain Forest Corridors, Living Mountain Observatory, Mountain Digital Twin And WOOD AIThe program restores not just a single source, but the entire underground water cycle. This enables the formation of self-regulating mountain ecosystems, where water slowly accumulates in the soil and rocks and then naturally emerges to the surface, ensuring stable river supply and maintaining life throughout the entire watershed.