Iran-Water Resources Research

Iran-Water Resources Research

Sustainable Groundwater Management Framework in Alluvial-Volcanic Regions (Case Study: Ardabil Aquifer)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 M.Sc. Graduate, Irrigation and Reclamation Eng. Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Kraj, Iran.
2 Professor, Irrigation and Reclamation Eng. Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Kraj, Iran.
3 Professor, Irrigation and Reclamation Eng. Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Kraj, Iran
Abstract
Implementing groundwater management strategies from other countries is often ineffective due to the distinct characteristics of each plain. In volcanic–alluvial aquifers like the Ardabil Plain, effective groundwater governance requires a localized approach because of structural heterogeneity, significant secondary porosity, and sensitivity to climate variability. This study developed a tailored strategy for sustainable groundwater management specific to the Ardabil Plain. During the 2017–2018 hydrological year, the aquifer experienced an average water level decline of 0.57 meters and a storage deficit of 20.09 million cubic meters. In this study, to support targeted decision-making, the aquifer was divided into three management zones based on water level decline severity and surface–groundwater interactions. A MODFLOW-NWT model was developed, calibrated, and validated to simulate aquifer behavior. Management scenarios were designed initially based on reducing groundwater extraction. These were later refined to consider varying climatic conditions. A five-year planning horizon was adopted to account for the increasing unauthorized withdrawals and climatic shifts. Results indicated that under the optimal scenario—featuring respective 10 and 5 percent reduction in extraction in supercritical and critical zones—annual drawdown was limited to 0.4 meters and the storage deficit was reduced to 15.5 million cubic meters. This strategy not only alleviates pressure on the aquifer but also maintains agricultural productivity, promoting greater public acceptance of sustainable policies. The approach presented here offers a replicable framework for other regions facing similar hydrogeological and climatic challenges, supporting integrated policy development that balances environmental, economic, and social sustainability in water-scarce settings.
 
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  • Receive Date 26 April 2025
  • Revise Date 01 June 2025
  • Accept Date 19 May 2025