The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential of traditional clay-based groundwater recharge systems for improving groundwater sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions, with particular emphasis on the Adrar region of southern Algeria, while considering their contribution to sustainable water management and the One Health framework. The review also aims to identify the hydrogeological conditions, operational requirements, advantages, and limitations that determine the long-term performance of clay-lined recharge basins. The study adopts a comprehensive literature review and comparative analytical approach by synthesizing recent findings on groundwater depletion, managed aquifer recharge (MAR), hydrogeology, irrigation practices, and traditional clay-based recharge systems. Published hydrogeological data for the Adrar region, including groundwater chemistry, local geological conditions, and engineering characteristics of clay materials, are integrated with evidence from international studies to assess the applicability of this traditional technology under arid climatic conditions. The reviewed evidence indicates that clay-lined recharge basins can effectively increase groundwater recharge efficiency by extending water residence time, reducing evaporation losses, and promoting gradual infiltration where suitable hydrogeological conditions exist. The analysis further shows that the effectiveness of these systems depends on local soil properties, groundwater depth, sediment accumulation, maintenance practices, and irrigation management. Comparative evaluation with other MAR techniques suggests that clay-based recharge basins offer important advantages, including low construction cost, operational simplicity, and suitability for water-scarce regions, although their performance remains site-specific and requires continuous monitoring. The review is limited by the availability of published studies and the absence of long-term field validation under different hydrogeological settings. Future investigations should include quantitative monitoring, numerical modeling, and performance assessment under varying climatic conditions. The practical value of this review lies in providing guidance for selecting, designing, and maintaining clay-based recharge systems as low-cost groundwater management solutions. The originality of the study is the integration of hydrogeological, engineering, environmental, and One Health perspectives into a unified assessment of traditional clay-based groundwater recharge technology applicable to arid environments.