Check dams are one of the methods of managed aquifer recharge to augment groundwater storage in regions with non-perennial rivers. The objectives of this study were to quantify the groundwater recharge from a check dam in the Arani River, north of Chennai, India, and to assess the clogging of the riverbed. The water level in the check dam was measured daily for 3 years from 2010 to 2013. Other field investigations carried out include measurement of the topographic elevation of the riverbed using the differential global positioning system. Based on the water balance method, the quantity of water evaporated and recharged was estimated. A comparison of 3-year daily water level measurements indicated that there is no clogging in the riverbed during the study period, as this check dam is fitted with a sluice gate which is operated at appropriate times to flush out the sediments. © 2018, Saudi Society for Geosciences.