The Effect of Extraction of Alluvial Water Resources on the Karst Springs Discharge (Case Study: Central Areas of Kermanshah Province)

In recent decades, changes in climate and social norms in the direction of uncontrolled extraction of groundwater resources have led to a sharp decline in groundwater levels and a reduction in the karst springs discharge. Springs that have a smaller catchment area, where a part of their catchment area is located in alluvium, and there is more connection between karst and alluvial aquifers, are more vulnerable to human activity. To evaluate these effects, karst springs in the central areas of Kermanshah province have been studied. Accordingly, four dried-up springs in the region have been studied more accurately, indicating a significant relationship between the groundwater level in the surrounding alluvium and the karst spring discharge. The study aimed to estimate the minimum groundwater level to maintain the karst springs discharge. According to the findings, if the groundwater level around the springs reaches or less specified amount, these springs will be dried. This level has been named the minimum allowable groundwater level (MAGWL). The way to preserve the springs is to keep the groundwater level of the surrounding areas above the MAGWL. According to the average annual decrease of groundwater level in the study area, the need for management and control of the extraction from the alluvial aquifers is strongly felt.