The originator of Aquifer Storage Recovery — from coining the term in 1980 to leading the global discipline for over four decades.
David Pyne is the originator of the term and concept of Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) as practiced in modern water engineering. He coined the term in 1980, setting in motion a global movement in sustainable water management that now encompasses hundreds — and likely thousands — of ASR wells across many countries.
His formal definition of ASR — written in 1980 — remains the standard used globally today. Over four decades later, David continues to lead ASR Systems LLC as the world's foremost specialist in aquifer storage and recovery design, implementation, and advisory.
From a single well in Manatee County, Florida in 1983 — the first ASR well ever drilled — to projects spanning 10 countries and wells reaching 800 metres in depth, David Pyne's career has literally shaped the discipline of underground water storage.
David joins CH2M HILL, one of the world's largest global engineering consulting companies, where he will spend the next 30 years building the foundation of what becomes the ASR discipline. Over time, he rises to lead the ASR Program with a team of 60 technical specialists — engineers, hydrogeologists, biologists, geochemists, and operations experts — working on ASR projects across multiple countries.
David Pyne formally defines and names Aquifer Storage Recovery — creating the term and the discipline simultaneously. His formal definition, written in 1980, remains the universally adopted standard today. This moment marks the birth of modern ASR science as a named, codified engineering discipline.
The world's first ASR well is drilled in Manatee County, Florida. The project receives the ACEC Grand Award in 1984 — recognizing it as a landmark engineering achievement. This project proves that the ASR concept can be successfully implemented at full operational scale.
After 30 years at CH2M HILL, David establishes ASR Systems LLC as an independent specialist firm — bringing his entire depth of ASR expertise to clients worldwide without the overhead or generalist constraints of a large firm. ASR Systems LLC focuses exclusively on ASR: no distractions, no dilution.
David authors and publishes Aquifer Storage Recovery: A Guide to Groundwater Recharge Through Wells, Second Edition — a 608-page hardcover that becomes the internationally recognized reference on ASR. Water utilities, engineers, regulators, and policymakers around the world rely on this book as the definitive guide to the discipline.
Continuing to lead ASR Systems LLC, David and his team have completed hundreds of projects ranging from initial feasibility studies to full engineering design, construction support, and operations. He regularly delivers ASR workshops — from half-day to two-day sessions — for water utilities and engineering teams across the United States and internationally.
David Pyne's expertise spans the full lifecycle of ASR — from the science of groundwater behavior to the engineering of complete operational systems.
From the first ASR well in 1983 to the global practice it has become today, this book documents the full evolution of ASR technology. It covers the science, engineering, practice, and regulation of ASR in comprehensive depth — the essential resource for anyone working with or evaluating ASR systems.
No generalist firm can match the depth of ASR-specific expertise that David Pyne brings to every engagement. Contact us to discuss your water supply challenge.
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