Modeling of Groundwater Budget for the Shallow Unconfined Aquifer in the Faria Catchment
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Date
2016-12-05
Authors
Al-Suwadeh, Majd Farhan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
This research aims to find the groundwater budget in theshallow unconfined aquifer system of the Faria catchment which is one of the most important water catchments in Palestine because of its agriculture importance.It is located in the northeastern part of the West Bank and extends over the eastern and the north eastern groundwater aquifers with a total area of 320 km2.
The Lumped Parameter Model was employed to quantify the water budget in the study area which is divided into three sub-catchments; Al-Faria, Al-Badan and the Lower. The principle of water mass balance was applied on each sub-catchment to get the water storage.
All input and output parameters to the model domain were analyzed and processed using Excel and GIS softwares. Recharge components to the aquifer consist of rainfall, irrigation return flow, water distribution networks leakage and East-Nablus wastewater leakage. Conversely, water discharge from the aquifer comprise ofwater pumped out from agricultural wells in addition to springs discharge.
The model resulted in a positive groundwater budget, which means a surplus of groundwater in the shallow unconfined aquifer under the three sub-catchments.Proper water management options were suggestedto utilize the available excess groundwater to enhance and strengthen the agricultural sector in the catchment.
Tapping new agricultural wells in suitable locations in the catchment is the main proposed management option. The pumped surplus water is proposed to be used in irrigation activities of new cultivation areas and successful economic crops thatcommensurate with the conditions of thesub-catchments.
It is necessary to treat East-Nablus wastewaterto stop infiltration into the groundwater, which will be collected and transmitted by piping system and utilized safely in irrigation activities.In addition to suggest the necessity to treat East-Nablus wastewaterbefore infiltrated into the groundwater, which will be collected and transmitted by piping systems to be utilized safely in irrigation activities.
The development of the suggested management options seems an important requirement for the development of the water resources in the catchment and improving its socio-economic conditions.