Management of Groundwater Quality and Quantity: Gediz River Basin Pilot Study

Abstract

This study provided methods and methodologies in compliance with the national legislations that will ensure proper management of groundwater in terms of both quality and quantity. The methodologies developed in this manner were implemented in the Gediz River Basin in Turkey. A total of 76 groundwater bodies delineated in the Basin were subjected to characterization, where the anthropogenic pressures on the quality and quantity of groundwater and their possible impacts were determined. Detailed risk analysis done by the available data revealed to the groundwater bodies which were under risk of achieving good status in terms of quality and/or quantity. In order to disclose the current status of all groundwater bodies, in-depth analyses (establishing threshold values, comparison of the measured values to the threshold values/quality standards, water budget calculations, etc.) were performed and supported by the comprehensive field investigations and monitoring. Ultimate results indicated that 33 groundwater bodies out of 76 were in poor status; and hence, all these bodies should be included in the programme of measures. Moreover, all the monitoring points at which the threshold values and/or quality standards are exceeded were also included in the programme of measures. Finally, the required measures to be taken in the Gediz River Basin at different scales (basin, groundwater body and monitoring point); to improve the poor status or to conserve the good status of groundwater, were pointed out considering both its quality and quantity.