The Impact Of Artificial Groundwater Recharge On Water Resources Sustainability

Artificial groundwater recharge (AGR) by flood spreading method is of paramount importance in sustainable management of groundwater resources which increase the natural supply of groundwater and prevents the severe drop in groundwater levels. In this study, suitable areas for artificial groundwater recharge are identified in an aquifer located in Gorveh-Dehgolan Plain using geographic information system (GIS) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP). To achieve this aim; first, the spatial map of seven effective parameters: slope, infiltration, electrical conductivity, alluvial thickness transmissivity, drainage density, and land use were prepared in GIS environment. Next, the maps were weighted using AHP method and overlaid by utilizing GIS analytical function. In next step, the entire aquifer is divided into five areas, each in different sub-basins, and finally the best region for artificial recharge, was selected. The degree of suitability for locating artificial recharge is also shown by mapping the selected region into four classes suitable to unsuitable. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the sustainability status of water resources for the study area, planning for sustainable use index (PSUI) is calculated for current state and for the status of implementing artificial recharge using precipitations with various return periods. This index is based on the water balance parameters which can sufficiently demonstrate impacts of applying artificial groundwater recharge on water resources sustainability including surface water and groundwater. The results of this study show the significant value of utilizing analytical techniques in evaluating the level of artificial groundwater recharge.