Quantitative assessment of groundwater resources depletion in Herat area, Afghanistan

Groundwater serves as the primary source of drinking water in Afghanistan; however, there is limited understanding of groundwater resources across the country. This study aims to quantitatively assess groundwater dynamics in Herat Province over five years (2017-2021) and analyze changes in groundwater levels across key districts. Data were collected from 10 monitoring wells in significant districts, sourced from the Harirud Department of Water and various areas within Herat City. The data were utilized to enhance understanding of the current status of groundwater resources and their extraction through wells, springs, and qanats, highlighting their roles in meeting water demands and the challenges faced. Monthly average water levels were computed for each well, and annual averages were derived from this data to facilitate comparisons across the five years. The findings indicated that groundwater levels in the Herat district increased from 22.42 m to 25.12 m, while the Adraskan district experienced a notable decrease, with levels dropping from 25.04 m to 28.61 m, representing a significant decline of 3.57 m. This research underscores the crucial need for effective monitoring and management of groundwater resources to ensure long-term water security and sustainability in the region.

Quantitative assessment of groundwater resources depletion in Herat area, Afghanistan Keywords:

Water level , Herat Basin , wells , Groundwater Depletion