Quality Protection Legislations for Karst Water Resources

Karst ground water is one of the most important water resources in Iran. Karst formations are mostly concentrated in Zagross and Alborz Chains with limited distribution in central parts. Protection of Karst aquifers is a considerable challenge to all those involved in the decision making processes. In this research four different protection zones have been suggested on the basis of Karst formation, thickness of the Karst layer, and the degree of pollution. According to hydraulic conductivity and development of Karst formation, an area of influence has been fixed for each zone.