Simulating Effect of Subsurface Dam Construction in Shahrekord Aquifer on the Water Storage Capacity and Nitrate Distribution

Shahrekord aquifer is depleted by almost 800 deep and semi-deep wells, the majority of which are agricultural wells and some have urban usage. In southern parts of the plain, the water table has fallen strongly because of immoderate discharge and decreased the quality of water by urban wastewater. The main objective of this study is investigation of subsurface dam construction and its effects on water table in consumption locations, reduction of deliveries costs and interception of contaminant transport. Therefore, the Shahrekord aquifer model was simulated with hydrodynamic coefficients calibration by PMWIN5.3 Software. The southern outlet of plain (near Bahram-Abad village) was selected to study subsurface dam construction, then a horizontal-flow barrier in this place was set with mean hydraulic conductivity equal to 0.5 m/day. Water table situation and nitrate concentration were analyzed using ArcGIS9.2 software before and after dam construction. The results showed that the subsurface dam rises groundwater level in 4 kilometers distance of upstream areas. Also, the available volume of water increased about 1.5 Mm3. Nitrate concentration didnt show to be considerably different from the initial state. But, it is likely that contamination in the storage resource will rise because it is located near Shahrekord water treatment plant and also due to the discharge of wastewater wells.