Groundwater resource management based on three-dimensional flow modeling of Wadi Baysh aquifer system: southwestern Saudi Arabia

• Published in: Environmental earth sciences Vol. 78; no. 18; pp. 1 - 18
• Main Authors: Masoud, Milad H. Z., Basahi, Jalal M., Zaidi, Faisal K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.09.2019; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aquifer systems; Aquifers; Biogeosciences; Depletion; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Environmental Science and Engineering; Geochemistry; Geology; Groundwater; Groundwater data; Groundwater levels; Groundwater management; Groundwater resources; Hydrology; Hydrology/Water Resources; Model testing; Modelling; Original Article; Pumping rates; Regional development; Resource management; Stresses; Sustainability; Sustainable development; Terrestrial Pollution; Three dimensional flow; Three dimensional models; Water monitoring; Water resources; Saudi Arabia; Groundwater level prediction; Groundwater recharge; Coastal areas; Sustainable development
• ISSN: 1866-6280; 1866-6299
• DOI: 10.1007/s12665-019-8575-7

Regional groundwater modeling is a valuable tool for ensuring the sustainable development and management of groundwater resources as it allows the assessment of the aquifer behavior under different types of hydrological stresses. The objective of this study was to use 3D flow modeling to assess the best options for managing groundwater in the Wadi Baysh basin in Saudi Arabia. The model for the Wadi Baysh aquifer system was based on groundwater monitoring data for 10-year period from 2007 to 2016. The model was tested with different hydrological stresses until the year 2050. The model behavior shows that groundwater levels in Wadi Baysh aquifer show no signs of depletion at the current pumping rates. The impact of the water stored in the dam reservoir is clearly seen and the zone of influence is very well demarcated. At this stage, groundwater use in the Wadi Baysh aquifer system is sustainable and no decline in groundwater levels is observed.