Water is essential for life on Earth; without it, no living thing can exist. In addition to surface water resources such as rivers, lakes, and dams, most of humanity’s water needs are met by invisible groundwater . These precious resources, hidden deep within the earth, have been used by humanity for centuries for consumption, agriculture, and industry.
In this article, we take a detailed look at groundwater, its formation cycle, its importance, the threats it faces, and protection strategies.
What is groundwater?
Groundwater is water that seeps through cracks in earth, sand, or hard rock and accumulates below the surface. This water is not directly below the surface and is usually extracted through wells or aqueducts.
Groundwater cycle
Groundwater is part of the natural water cycle. The most important stages of its formation are:
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Precipitation : Rain or snow falling to the ground.
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Soil infiltration : Part of the rainwater seeps into the soil.
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Movement between layers : Water moves through porous layers of soil and rock.
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Groundwater storage : Over time, water collects in impermeable layers (such as clay or hard rock) and forms underground aquifers.
Type of groundwater
In general, groundwater is divided into several categories:
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Water that accumulates near the surface is easily accessible.
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Pressurized water (artesian water)
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It is located between two impermeable layers and can spontaneously break through to the surface when a well is drilled.
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Water that has been inside the Earth for thousands of years can hardly be replenished.
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The importance of groundwater
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Drinking water supply : More than 2 billion people worldwide depend on groundwater as a source of drinking water.
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Agriculture : Irrigation in agriculture is mostly done through deep and semi-deep wells.
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Industry : Factories and power plants require large quantities of water, most of which comes from underground sources.
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Ecological sustainability : Groundwater helps rivers and wetlands survive dry periods.
Threats and challenges to groundwater resources
1. Over-registration
Over-drilling and excessive water consumption have led to low groundwater levels and the drying up of aquifers.
2. Environmental pollution
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Acceptance of municipal and industrial wastewater
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Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides has
led to severe groundwater pollution.
3. Moving to the countryside
When large amounts of groundwater dry up, the ground in a particular area subsides . This is a common phenomenon in Iran, especially in the central plains.
4. Climate change
Reduced precipitation and rising temperatures have led to lower groundwater recharge.
Groundwater situation in Iran
Iran, a country with an arid and semi-arid climate, relies heavily on groundwater. According to statistics, over 60% of the country’s water consumption comes from groundwater. However, overexploitation and declining rainfall have led to a severe crisis. Many of the country’s plains are suffering from declining groundwater levels and land subsidence, which some experts consider to be the greatest environmental threat to Iran.
Methods of groundwater extraction
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Welsh
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The simplest and most common method.
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water channel
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A traditional water supply system in Iran that brings water to the surface by digging underground channels.
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Spring
Methods for protecting groundwater resources
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Consumption management
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Optimal use of water resources in agriculture and industry.
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Development of drip irrigation systems.
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Environmental protection
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Prevent sewage and industrial waste from entering the soil.
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Training farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
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Table for artificial nutrition
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The diversion of surface rainwater or floodwater into the ground to recharge groundwater aquifers.
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Law and Control
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Restrict unauthorized drilling.
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Install smart meters to monitor your harvest.
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New methods of groundwater management
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Geophysics and remote sensing : Water level monitoring using satellites.
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Computer modeling : Simulating changes in groundwater to predict the future.
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Smart sensor: Installed in the well to measure the water level in real time.
The role of the public in groundwater protection
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Save water at home.
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Use energy-saving devices.
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Raising awareness in schools and communities.
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Participation in national water resource management plans.
Finally
Groundwater is a hidden resource vital to humanity. In a world affected by water scarcity, the importance of these resources becomes increasingly clear. Protecting groundwater is not only the responsibility of governments and relevant institutions, but the responsibility of each and every one of us. Every drop of water we save today contributes to building a better future for future generations.