Using Groundwater Physico-chemical Parameters to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Artificial Recharge Projects in Arid Regions: A Case study of Ardo Recharge Basin, Borazjan

Artificial recharge projects are one of the most important strategies for sustainable management of groundwater resources. Several projects have been designed and implemented in the country over the past years. Evaluating the performance of these projects is very important. This paper aims to investigate the effect of Ardo artificial recharge project on the groundwater resources of Borazjan plain. To this purpose, the physico-chemical parameters of the wells adjacent to the project have been investigated spatially and temporally in a four-month period from December to April, 2015. Parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, and major cations and anions were measured and monitored in this study. The effect of the spreading of Ardo basin on the groundwater was investigated using time series diagrams and the maps of the groundwater physico-chemical parameters. The results showed an asymmetric recharge pattern around the spreading artificial basin. It was also found that the recharge front of the basin extends from the side of the basin to its northwest. From the temporal viewpoint, the highest recharge occurs in the months of February and March. According to the results, the role of the basin in recharging the groundwater tables is more than 50% near the basin and its northwest. Also, the artificial recharge project has a positive impact on the groundwater quantity and quality.