The effect of modern drainage and irrigation networks on the groundwater resources of Urmia plain

The important problems in sustainable development of groundwater resources is its scientific management. Therefore in this research, using modflow software, the effect of irrigation efficiency increase on Urmia plain groundwater resources was investigated. Urmia plain groundwater model had been calibrated, and evaluated for the years 1992-1993 and 2000-2001. In this study, this model was reevaluated using different irrigation management scenarios and 28 pyzometers observed for the year 2008. The effect of the irrigation efficiency increase with decreasing recharge rate by 20, 40 and 60 percent in urmia plain model was studied. Modeling results showed that water level was fallen 25 cm, 50 cm and 75 cm with recharge decreasing rate of 20%, 40% and 60% respectively. Results showed that east regions and central part of the plain would face drainage problem. The model shows that many of unwanted problems can be solved by applying modern irrigation system and increasing the irrigation efficiencies instead of present traditional irrigation systems.