Sustainability of Aquifer and Ground Water Condition in Erbil Basin/ Iraq

Abstract

Groundwater is the main source of water in Erbil province, Iraq. The change in climate and the rapid development in the city, generally, increases the rate of GW depletion. The study aims to investigate the effects of the current exploitation of groundwater on the sustainability of the aquifer. Data like climate, soil, number of wells, and the hydrogeology of Erbil aquifer are compiled to recognize the current and future conditions of the aquifer. The results show that there is an irresponsible use of GW. The water table has been found to decrease around 1.24 meters annually. This comes due to excessive use, lack of awareness and absence of clear and strict policy towards GW sustainability in the region. The challenges facing the Department of Groundwater Resources, which is responsible for managing and developing GW sources are indicated. A set of recommendations are then presented for improving the GW management and sustainability.

Keywords

• aquifer
• groundwater
• sustainability
• specific yield
• water recharge
• erbil basin