Sustainable Groundwater Management of Khir Plain by Groundwater Balance

This study evaluates and estimates groundwater balance of the Khir plain for the period between, 1996 and 2005. The approach is centered on quantitative estimation of two main parameters-input and output. Recharge and discharge components have been quantified based on inflows, outflows and changes in the aquifer groundwater storage .The results show that the average total annual discharge of the area (119.11 MCM) exceeded total average annual recharge (106.30 MCM), implying that the system is in deficiency –an indication of unsustainable water withdrawal. The average drawdown of the water table in Khir plain was 7.08 meters in 10 years since 1996 to 2005. This not only reduces available water resources and water wells yields but can result in other serious and potentially costly side effects including saline intrusion, drying springs, and ground subsidence. Increase in pumping costs and a decline in crop yields as a result of the increasing salinity. Abstraction of groundwater could be minimized by providing sufficient canal irrigation water to the farmers ,development of new irrigation networks and methods , and selection of optimal crop pattern .This study further recommend the institution of a groundwater regulatory framework to optimize groundwater use on sustainable basis and installation of groundwater recharge basin and flood water spreading.