The effect of artificial recharge on the quality and quantity of ground water resources of Shamil-Ashkara Plain (Hormozgan Province)

One of the methods for optimal use of water resources in critical conditions of groundwater and surface water resources is the implementation of artificial recharge projects. These systems aim to store excess surface water in groundwater reservoirs in order to improve the quantity and quality of water in different soil layers. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of artificial recharge on the quality and quantity of groundwater resources in the Shamil-Ashkara plain. For this purpose, water table fluctuations and electrical conductivity (EC) changes of the wells affected by the artificial recharge project have been investigated spatially and temporally using trend analysis tests. The results showed that the studied observed wells in the plain have a decreasing trend in their ground water level, so that on average, during the studied period, the water level declined by 0.41 meters per year, and in general, the water level decreased by 11.7 meters. However, the effect of artificial recharge on the changes of the surrounding wells can be seen and at one point in time, it caused an increase and compensation of 9.6% of the tank drop, and also the EC level has reached from 4500 ds/m to 4000. But after two years, artificial recharge ponds have lost their effectiveness. This issue requires frequent monitoring and maintenance of the effectiveness of artificial recharge plans.