Securing Water for Tomorrow: Achieving Groundwater Sustainability- A Case Study of Samawa Governorates, Southern Iraq

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of groundwater in the unconfined Dammam aquifer within the Samawa Desert region of Iraq, considering escalating environmental and climatic constraints alongside limited surface resources. An integrated methodology utilising Geographic Information Systems and the Groundwater Modelling System (GMS, version 10.8) was employed to simulate aquifer responses under various scenarios. The model was calibrated with observed well data to ensure the accuracy of the simulation results. The model utilised data from twenty-two wells to assess hydrogeological characteristics, including hydraulic conductivity, recharge rate, and aquifer productivity. The water budget revealed a severe water deficit of 96.66%, and a recharge rate of about 9.297×10⁻⁶ m/day, indicating significant stresses on the aquifer system. The five scenarios modeled using MODFLOW indicated that uninterrupted pumping would lead to a 0.95–9 m decline in the water level. Conversely, a management strategy that integrates seasonal groundwater extraction with the erection of earthen dams to collect floodwaters resulted in improvements in groundwater levels by 36.75% to 43.58%. These findings underscore the critical need to enhance groundwater management practices in arid regions. The study's practical significance lies in presenting sustainable and implementable methods that enhance recharge rates and alleviate groundwater depletion. This paper presents original findings, offering a revised numerical model of the Dammam aquifer and an extensive evaluation of potential management scenarios, aiding decision-makers in formulating sustainable policies for long-term water security.