Artificial Recharge Modelling of Groundwater Aquifer in Arid Regions

Abstract

Abstract Groundwater is the main source of fresh water in arid regions. The Saq aquifer is a transboundary sandstone groundwater layer that extended into Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The groundwater level of the aquifer is depleted due to extensive pumping with negligible natural recharge. The objective of this study is to predict the artificial recharge supplied from runoff into the Saq aquifer for a selected area in the Qassim region, KSA using mathematical models. The maximum weekly and daily rainfall was quantified at different return periods for urban areas using graphical and probability distribution methods. The predicted surface water from rainfall is suggested to be stored in ponds, consequently the required volume of ponds was estimated according to the results of weekly maximum rainfall and various return periods. The stored surface water is proposed to be recharged into the groundwater aquifer via designed wells. The estimated quantity of the surface runoff was 4·106 m3, 6.2·106 m3, and 10.3·106 m3 for return periods 25, 50 and 75 years respectively. The study is applicable for similar aquifers that suffer from non-renewable resources.