Simulation of Quar Maharlu Aquifer and Optimization of Artificial Recharge with PMWIN Model

The uncontrolled use of water resources by human has led to a disruption of the natural balance of groundwater. Regarding to the water resources restriction, planning to properly managing these resources, recognizing current situations and anticipating harvesting or feeding effects are necessary. In this case, simulators or models can act as useful tools.

In this research, the quantitative modeling of groundwater flow in Quar Maharlu plain included three years’ calibration (2011-2014) for hydraulic conductivity coefficient and one-year verification (2014-2015) using the PMWIN software. To evaluate the model error in calibration and verification, the root mean square deviation (RMSD) parameter was used. After simulating the aquifer to optimize the artificial recharge location by flood spreading method, different scenarios were defined and examined after considering the natural and artificial factors.

The results showed that the RMSD for calibration years was 1.55, 1.49 and 1.56 m, and for the verification year was 1.77 m, which indicated that the model has an acceptable ability in predicting groundwater flow parameters. The stock changes in the whole aquifer were equal to -8.88 Mm3 in 2014. In the next step, the best recharging location was selected which caused the maximum amount of head increase in total area of the plain (5.3 cm).

One of the effective ways to offset the negative balance is to strengthen the aquifer through artificial recharge. In the present study, we have evaluated the different scenarios and considered the best option.