Seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers is a complicated phenomenon that requires a practical framework to assess the constituents’ groundwater source. The current paper focuses on the processes influencing coastal groundwater in the southeastern region of Basrah, southern Iraq. Thirteen groundwater samples were subjected to comprehensive hydrogeochemical treatments, including hydrogeochemical analysis with Piper, Schoeller, and Gibbs plots, geochemical modeling, and statistical analysis supported by hierarchical cluster analysis. The results of the Piper plot indicated that the analyzed groundwater is characterized as Na-Cl (77%) and Ca-Mg-Cl (23%) and belongs to the order of Cl–>Na+>SO42–>Ca2+>Mg2+>HCO3– as identified by Schoeller results. Gibbs’ plot results indicated the processes of evaporation and seawater dominance. Saturation indices of minerals in groundwater revealed a slight supersaturation (SI>0) with calcite and dolomite, suggesting limited precipitation of carbonate minerals. In contrast, gypsum and anhydrite showed a slight undersaturation (SI<0), indicating minimal dissolution of evaporite minerals, while halite and sylvite minerals suggested a strong undersaturation (SI<0), reflecting that dissolution of salts is a common process in the coastal areas. Furthermore, cluster analysis demonstrated that the ionic content of groundwater was significantly affected by seawater, evaporation processes, and minimal sedimentation of carbonate minerals. These techniques are recommended for controlling the groundwater extraction within the study area.

This issue of Acque Sotterranee features the usual expert contributions, which we will discuss later. However, always in the field of hydrogeology, the core of the Journal, it is impossible to omit the due end-of-year recognition of what has been done during 2026 by the Acque Sotterranee organization (Editorial Board, Publisher, Editorial Staff, …) and published thanks to everyone’s work in the Journal. [...]

[Article in Italian] Ci si è occupati spesso, su queste pagine, della Geotermia a Bassa Entalpia per la Climatizzazione, o Geoscambio, o Geotermia Superficiale, così come delle evoluzioni del quadro legislativo nazionale. Si è anche in parte già riferito di quanto ha svolto la Piattaforma Geotermica (Tavolo di Lavoro costituito presso il CNG - Consiglio Nazionale dei Geologi), in termini sia di coordinamento delle attività e delle istanze delle numerose organizzazioni che operano sulla materia partecipando alla Piattaforma stessa, sia di supporto tecnico al competente Ministero (MASE) e di risultati prodotti. [...]

[Article in Italian] Questo numero della Rubrica, in continuità con quella di settembre, è dedicato ad un glossario minimo, ossia ad una raccolta di definizioni relative agli impianti geotermici a pompa di calore (PDC), in particolare ai sistemi dl geoscambio a circuito chiuso e aperto. L’utilità di una raccolta di questo tipo è stata individuata sia in base a specifiche segnalazioni e richieste di colleghi e più in generale di operatori del settore, sia in ragione delle evoluzioni legislative e normative cui lo stesso settore è stato soggetto in questi ultimi pochi anni e cui sarà soggetto nei prossimi. [...]

[Article in Italian] Il Regio Decreto 1775 dell’11 dicembre 1933 “Testo unico delle disposizioni di legge sulle acque pubbliche e gli impianti idroelettrici”, adottato in esecuzione della legge delega del 18 dicembre 1927, n. 2595, fu pubblicato l’8 gennaio 1934 sulla Gazzetta Ufficiale del Regno d’Italia, ed entrò in vigore il successivo 23 gennaio. A vistare l’atto, “d’ordine di Sua Maestà il Re”, fu Araldo di Crollalanza, Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici nell’anno XII dell’Era fascista. Con l’entrata in vigore del R.D. 1775 venne abrogata una serie di provvedimenti emanati a fine Ottocento e dopo la Grande Guerra, ma di quei provvedimenti e della riflessione dottrinale e giurisprudenziale maturata intorno ad essi si tenne ampio conto nel testo unico. Seppur emendato in varie parti da atti successivi (tra cui in particolare il D.Lgs. 152/2006 “Norme in materia ambientale”), il R.D. 1775 continua ad essere tuttora vigente nel suo impianto generale. [...]

[Article in Italian] Il Comitato Italiano dell’International Association of Hydrogeologists – IAH Italy ETS, in attuazione delle finalità previste dal proprio Statuto, che all’Art. 2 tra gli “scopi e compiti” prevede di “sostenere gli studi nel settore idrogeologico attraverso l’assegnazione di borse di studio, o altre tipologie di premi, a Laureati, Dottori di Ricerca e studiosi meritevoli, ed ogni altra iniziativa che il Consiglio Direttivo ritenesse necessaria e utile all’attuazione degli scopi dell’Associazione”, sta predisponendo i regolamenti ed i Bandi per l’assegnazione di Premi a giovani idrogeologi e idrogeologhe a partire dal 2026. [...]

This study assessed the sustainable and safe yield of eight wells in the northern Wadi Araba Basin, southern Jordan, using both analytical-empirical methods and numerical groundwater modeling. Field investigations included well inventory, hydrogeological characterization, and controlled pumping and recovery tests. Transmissivity and storativity were derived using AquiferTest Pro, applying the Neuman solution for unconfined aquifers and Theis’s method for recovery. This was based on the available measurements of the water table of the observation wells located in the study area. Sustainable yield was estimated using long-term safe yield (Q20) through Farvolden, Moell, and Ribby approaches. Results showed that the Q20 values ranging from 1,100 to 1,450 m3/day, with minor variation among the methods. A ParFlow-based 3D numerical model simulated various pumping scenarios to validate and refine analytical findings. The obtained results indicate that pumping out of Wadi Araba wells should not exceed 1,500 m3/day in the case of continuous pumping and 9,000 m3/day in the case of intermittent pumping. Hence, the changes of the levels of the water table did not significantly change with small changes in pumping thus, a 6-fold magnitude increase in pumping from approximately 1,500 m3/day to 9,000 m3/day showing a significant drop in the water table equivalent to about 5.5 MCM per year from the aquifer. The model indicated a safe pumping threshold of 1,500 m3/day, beyond which significant drawdown occurred. Comparison between analytical and numerical estimates revealed a strong correlation, with differences ranging between –3.0% and +4.5%. The integrated approach enhanced confidence in the proposed limits. Future monitoring and model refinement are recommended to ensure long-term aquifer sustainability.

This study presents a comparative analysis of water temperatures from the Jadro and Ombla springs, two of the largest karst springs in the Dinaric Karst region of Croatia, situated 162.7 km apart. Both analyzed springs fall into the category of highly karstified systems. The analysis encompasses data recorded hourly from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2021. During this period, comprehensive datasets of hourly water temperatures were available for both springs. The study examined four temporal scales: annual, monthly, daily, and hourly. Results revealed both similarities and distinctions in water temperature behavior within the coastal Dinaric Karst region. At Jadro and Ombla, the average annual water temperatures were 12.895ºC and 12.875ºC, respectively. The air temperature significantly influences the variations in water temperatures at both springs. At Jadro, the upward temperature trend was statistically insignificant, while at Ombla, the downward trend was similarly insignificant. The temperature range at Jadro (2.0°C) was significantly smaller than that at Ombla (3.4°C). From December to April, Jadro exhibited higher average monthly water temperatures than Ombla, while from June to September, temperatures at Jadro were lower than those at Ombla. The water temperatures at both springs were nearly identical during May, October, and November. The differences in water temperature ranges between the two springs are primarily shaped by the location, size, and natural characteristics of their catchments, including surface terrain, geological structure, hydrogeological properties, and the relative position of the water table to the ground surface.

Climate change has profound implications for water security, sanitation, and hygiene in Zambia, particularly in vulnerable peri-urban settlements like Kanyama in Lusaka. Rapid population growth, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, and inadequate infrastructure intersect with climate-induced hazards – such as recurrent flooding – to exacerbate water scarcity and public health risks. Although the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company treats and distributes water exploiting both surface (Kafue River) and groundwater, Kanyama’s per capita access remains critically low due to system inefficiencies and distribution losses. Infrastructure deficiencies lead to frequent leakages and contamination, compromising water quality before it reaches consumers. Poor drainage and sewage systems further increase exposure to waterborne diseases during extreme weather events. These dynamics underscore the need for rigorous chemical and microbiological monitoring to trace contamination sources along the supply chain. This study critically examines water insecurity and climate vulnerability in Kanyama, emphasizing the structural and environmental determinants of public health risk. This was a mixed-method approach involving 100 residents of Kanyama township aged between 15 and 49 years. Data were collected using both questionnaires containing both open and closed-ended questions and interviews. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS® (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software and Microsoft Excel, and presented in tables and graphs, with percentages and frequencies. Results showed Kanyama’s critical dependence on municipal water, with pronounced vulnerabilities due to the lack of alternative sources, intermittent supply, and sporadic contamination. These water security issues are compounded by climate change, rapid urban population growth, substandard infrastructure, and ineffective water governance. While hygiene practices among residents are relatively acceptable, sanitation remains a major concern, as many households rely on shared facilities and store water unsafely. Recurrent flooding, intensified by climate variability, overwhelms inadequate sewer systems and leads to water source contamination, heightening the risk of diarrheal diseases. Despite these risks, the community displays strong awareness of climate-related health impacts, indicating openness to adaptive health strategies. A multi-sectoral approach encompassing water infrastructure improvements, sanitation expansion, and climate-resilient systems is vital for mitigating these public health threats. Integrating public health education with infrastructural upgrades can foster sustainable health behaviours and improve environmental health outcomes in peri-urban populations like those in Kanyama.

In the southern plains of Oran, the two main aquifer formations are the Mio-Pliocene limestone and the Plio-Quaternary conglomerates. To assess the overall quality of groundwater, and highlight the factors and mechanisms controlling its chemistry, hydrogeological and hydrochemical data are studied using geographic information system (GIS), multivariate statistics (principal component analysis [PCA] and hierarchical cluster analysis [HCA]), potable water quality indices (PWQI), and irrigation water quality parameters. The results show that the Mio-Pliocene aquifers have the best groundwater, with some samples having a mineralization of <1g/L, whereas the quality of groundwater varies in the Plio-Quaternary aquifers from one location to another. The increase in groundwater concentration generally occurs from South to North, in accordance with the direction of groundwater flow towards the Sebkha of Oran. The PCA and HCA results show that groundwater is divided into two major groups. The first represents fresh to passable waters (0.5 g/L ≤ TDS ≤ 2 g/L) located predominantly in the Tessala Mountains piedmonts and around the Tafraoui-Tlelat limestone outcrops. These groundwaters have a low Langelier index (LSI ≈ 0.25) and are neither corrosive nor scaling. The second group represents slightly saline to highly saline groundwater (2.5 g/L ≤ TDS ≤ 5g/L). The slightly saline groundwaters are mostly observed around and South of Ain Larbaa in the Plio-Quaternary conglomerates. The highly saline groundwaters are only observed for 6 samples and are most likely the result of contamination. The PWQI show that only 18% of groundwater is fit for human consumption; the remaining groundwater ranges from poor (21%), very poor (38%), to unsuitable (23%). The results also show that only 60% of samples are suited for irrigation. The hydrochemical results identify geological zoning, climate aridity, and to a lesser degree anthropic activities as the major factors regulating groundwater quality via the carbonates and silicates weathering and ion exchange process.