Artificial Recharge of Groundwater Aquifers by Surface Drainage Canals Using AHP Method

Groundwater has a fundamental role in economic activities and daily life of people and water storage in aquifer (underground reservoirs) requires less investment economically. The main purpose of research is prioritizing of canals in order to artificially recharge groundwater in Sarab Niloufar area in the Kermanshah Province. Therefore, various studies were conducted such as physiography, meteorology, geology, pedology, hydrology, groundwater, permeability, environmental condition, and erosion and sedimentation in the region. Canals have been prioritized by analyzing of 13 information layers. Permeability, texture and thickness of critical layer had the highest values. Different canals were divided into seven groups based on the value assigned to them. The first four priorities are important for recharge and the others due to their recharge restrictions are not applicable. Results showed that 65.45% of the total volume of existing drainage canals in the plain can be rechargeable. Based on analysis and water balance of aquifer in Sarab Niloufar plain; total annual recharge and discharge of Sarab Niloufar plain were estimated.37.41 Mm3 and 66.38 Mm3, respectively. So the reservoir volume change is negative (equal to -28.97 Mm3) and only 30.1% of overdraft of the plain aquifer is compensated and the variation of the reservoir will remain negative, but it will be reduced equal to -20.24 Mm3 numerically.