Local market analysis of groundwater resources exchange in Alashtar Watershed, Iran

Groundwater resources are the most important source of fresh water in the world. In Iran which is located in the arid and semi-arid region, mismatch of consumption needs with rainfall time along with climate change has increased the demand for groundwater. Excessive extraction of groundwater in the Alashtar Watershed reduced the water level in the aquifer of the plain and water resources of this area have faced a negative balance. Due to the inherent limitations of the country's water resources and increasing the split between supply and demand, the use of economic instruments and the establishment of the water market for optimal allocation of groundwater is a necessity. Accordingly, this study in order to determine the market price of groundwater with the aim of accurately identifying the local markets for groundwater and also measure the views of local water market operators about some of the strategies for advance the water market designed and implemented. The statistical population in this research was all rural exploiters are the main reservoirs of groundwater in the basin who contribute to the buy and sale of these resources. Regarding market prices in the study area, the average price of groundwater was 1,749 Rials per cubic meter, and the total value of groundwater was estimated as 555,307.5 Milion Rials. The results showed that in 103 villages there is a market for the buy and sale of groundwater. Those villages that have a local groundwater market, 76% of the villages have been established by creating popular organizations and the water regulatory council and 43% of the villages by create a bulletin board agreed to facilitate the buy and sale of groundwater resources.