GROUNDWATER OVEREXPLOITATION OF THE CONTINENTAL INTERCALACRY AQUIFER. A CASE STUDY FROM GHARDAIA, ALGERIA

Abstract

Since the late 1999, extensive groundwater extraction within the Sahara aquifer system has been investigated. In this study we analyze the overexploitation of the thermal groundwater stored in the Continental Intercalary aquifer in the Algerian province of Ghardaia. The Saharan aquifer system is recognized by a large number of over 8800 boreholes and springs, on which 3500 operate the Continental Intercalary series and 5300 operate the Terminal complex. This work describes the groundwater order problem of overexploitation and the flows that exploit this hydrothermal system to be identified and analyzed. We have negative impacts on groundwater in that region due to the practice of certain activities which directly affect the quantity causing the water level of the aquifer to be lowered. Using theoretical context, water quality status can be assessed and recommendations suggested. Results show that we have 387.86 million m3 /yr of flow today which is determined 30 m drawdowns. Measures need to be taken until the effects of the appeal become irreversible and the legal system instruments need practical applicability to prevent this context from extending to other areas.

Keywords

• algeria
• continental intercalary
• drawdown
• groundwater
• piezometric level