Groundwater Recharge Sites Research Articles

Anisotropic effect of shear zone on groundwater potentiality in crystalline hard rock terrain

Assessment of potential groundwater recharge sites and sustainable water resource management in semi-arid crystalline rock terrain is a challenging task. Globally, analysis of remote sensing satellite imagery data for delineation of groundwater potential zones over sheared crystalline hard rock terrains has been fairly successful. But there is no existing study present at our disposal which discusses the factors controlling the inconsistent groundwater potentiality that exits along the shear zones. This study attempts to analyse the major geological factors controlling the irregular groundwater potentiality of shear zones within older crystalline rock terrain. Therefore, the study area selected for this analysis is the Purulia district of West Bengal, NE India, composed mostly of Precambrian metamorphic rocks i.e., quartzite, granite gneisses, porphyroclastic granite-gneiss, quartzo-feldspathic-granite-gneiss, mylonitic granites, quartz-biotite-granite gneiss, quartzites, carbonatites and phyllites. Satellite imagery study of IRS-P6 LISS IV standard FCC image reveals the presence of two bifurcating shear zones namely North Purulia Shear Zone (NPSZ) and South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) over the study area. Careful analysis of rock structure, different lithotypes, soil thickness, electrical resistivity tomography data and water table data with an emphasis on high water table fluctuation, shows a strong spatial relation between the potentially good groundwater recharge zones and the branching/confluence sites of shear zones present in the study area. The study constructs an attempt to demonstrate the relationship between shear zone conjunctions and significant groundwater recharge sites in Precambrian crystalline fractured-rock aquifer system.

Addressing water security challenges through groundwater recharge for revival of Kanari River using AHP and geospatial techniques

Artificial recharge of groundwater has been recognized as a promising option for sustaining groundwater supplies and ensure water security for the ever rising population. With the aid of geospatial and multi-criteria decision analysis methodologies, the current study's scope aids in evaluating groundwater potential zones and locating suitable zones and sites for groundwater recharge for the revival of the Kanari River. A pragmatic methodology was suggested in this study for implementing water harvesting structures for river revival and estimation of water demand, pumping, and recharge. The geometric mean and the normalized weight for individual features were specified using the AHP in a GIS environment. All the different features/datasets were overlaid, and possible groundwater zones were revealed using AHP. Integrated maps were used to identify the groundwater recharge zone and locations for establishing artificial recharge structures within the Kanari River system. Ultimately, the domestic water demand, agriculture water use, pumping, and livestock water demand were estimated for water budgeting, and based on this data, the water availability was calculated. Based on the study results, the water demand of the Kanari River watershed was estimated to be 732 MCM. Taking into consideration the supply and demand scenarios, the pumping overdraft of the Kanari River watershed was found to be 423 MCM, and the proposed additional recharge through the planned conservation structures was estimated to be 859 MCM. So, even if pumping overdraft is considered, this additional groundwater recharge can fulfill the local demand, help maintain the river flow, and ensure water availability and security in the region.

Groundwater Recharge Potential Index and artificial groundwater recharge in the alluvial soils of the middle Ganga Basin

Recent studies prove the faster depletion of groundwater is a cause of concern in the middle Ganga basin. Most of the groundwater-related studies in the middle Ganga basin deal with groundwater levels and quality aspects. The past studies on groundwater potential are confined to arid and humid zones of India, which leaves ample space for semi-humid to semi-arid, frost-prone, and alluvial region. The basin has alluvial soil due to sediments deposited by the river Ganga. In this study, eight thematic maps were prepared for the assessment of the groundwater recharge potential. These maps are; rainfall, geomorphology, slope, drainage density, lineament density, lithology, Land Use/Land Cover (LULC), and Groundwater Fluctuation (GWF). The weighted overlay of these thematic maps gave the Groundwater Recharge Potential Zone (GWRPZ) map representing the spatial variation of the Groundwater Recharge Potential Index (GWRPI) in the basin, whose value varies from 0.071 to 0.309. A total of 92 artificial groundwater recharge sites have been identified using specialized GIS processes taking into account stream network. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based weights classification offers a robust framework for prioritizing and understanding the relative significance of factors affecting groundwater recharge. Alluvial soils are capable of holding large amount of water, and are overlaid by large aquifers. A large number of wells and tube wells have led to the over-extraction of groundwater in the region. This is the reason of the study being carried out despite being a region infested with large aquifers.

Geophysical characterization of Saraswati River palaeochannel in parts of Yamuna Nagar and Kurukshetra districts of Haryana, India.

Palaeochannels are remnants of rivers or stream channels filled with younger sediments over the period of time. In ancient times, these rivers/channels were thriving in phenomenal conditions, but due to frequent tectonic activities, they lost the direction of their original path and were gradually either lost or buried under thick beds of younger alluvium. Palaeochannels act as reservoirs for fresh groundwater since they are made up of coarser sediments and were formerly flowing rivers. Depending on the groundwater regime and local topography, these could either be saturated or dry. The palaeochannels have high groundwater potential if saturated. These are ideal sites for artificial groundwater recharge, if dry. The identification of palaeochannels becomes quite challenging if they are buried under thick deposits of finer younger sediments. In the present study, an attempt has been made to characterize the Saraswati River Palaeochannel in parts of Yamuna Nagar and Kurukshetra districts of Haryana by using surface and subsurface geophysical methods. Till date, the palaeochannels in this area were mainly discerned on the basis of remote sensing only; therefore, geophysical characterization of these palaeochannels has been attempted in this study. In surface geophysical methods, electrical resistivity surveys, especially gradient resistivity profiling (GRP) and vertical electrical sounding (VES), were conducted in the study area, while electrical and natural gamma logging was used as subsurface geophysical approaches to identify the coarser sands of buried palaeochannels. The main objective of the study was to characterize the Saraswati River palaeochannel and analyze the quality of the groundwater stored in the palaeochannel in the study area. The findings were compared with the well-log data and were found in good agreement.

POTENTIAL SITE SELECTION FOR GROUNDWATER RECHARGE USING ADVANCED GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUES

Freshwater demand is increasing rapidly due to a significant increment in population day by day. Whereas, groundwater resources are depleting at high speed in fulfilling the water needs of different sectors. The world uses 67% of groundwater for agriculture, 22% for domestic and 11 % for the industrial sector Twenty-five percent (25%) of global groundwater withdrawals sustains agricultural productivity in Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Pakistan is the fourth largest user of groundwater among all countries (after India, the USA and China) Punjab is the largest populace province of Pakistan where around 90% of the population is dependent on groundwater to fulfil their domestic, agricultural industrial needs. It has been reported that in many parts of the country ratio of groundwater recharge to discharge is 0.8 which also results in a rapid decline in the water tables country. This study aimed at the assessment of the potential sites for groundwater recharge in Jand tehsil using a geospatial approach. Presently, the study area experiencing the seepage/mixing of wastewater with the groundwater due to poor drainage and sewerage network. Therefore, availability of fresh drinking water becomes a serious challenge in Jand and demands an artificial groundwater recharge system to fulfill the water needs. Several relevant criteria have been incorporated in this research to delineate the potential zones i.e. Drainage Density, Slope, Rainfall, land use/Landcover, Geology, and Soil. To precisely identify the sites, an Analytical Hierarchy Process has been employed to calculate the weight of each criterion. Subsequently, each factor is multiplied by its respective weights to develop the potential site suitability map. Results of the study revealed the three best groundwater recharge sites and classified the suitability of the study region as; high suitable (34%) moderate suitable (35%) and low suitable area around 31%. This research illustrates the strength of Geospatial techniques in proposing the potential ground recharge regions and hence rainwater and groundwater resources can be managed efficiently.

Contribution of remote sensing and GIS to the location of dam sites for groundwater recharge and flood control: case study in Cameroon (Mandara Mountains)

Contribution of remote sensing and GIS to the location of dam sites for groundwater recharge and flood control: case study in Cameroon (Mandara Mountains)

Mapping Prospects for Artificial Groundwater Recharge Utilizing Remote Sensing and GIS Methods

The indiscriminate use of groundwater and its overexploitation has led to a significant decline in groundwater resources in India, making it essential to identify potential recharge zones for aquifer recharge. A study was conducted to determine such potential recharge zones in the Nandhour-Kailash River watershed. The study area included 1481 streams divided into 12 sub-basins (SWS). The results show that the downstream Saraunj sub-basins (SWS-11) and Odra sub-basins (SWS-12) were high priority and required immediate soil and water conservation attention. Sub catchments Lobchla West (SWS-4), Deotar (SWS-5), Balot South (SWS-8), Nandhour (SWS-9), and Nakoliy (SWS-10) had medium priority and were designated for moderate soil erosion and degradation. In contrast, sub-catchments Aligad (SWS-1), Kundal (SWS-2), Lowarnala North (SWS-3), Bhalseni (SWS-6), and Uparla Gauniyarao (SWS-7) had low priority, indicating a low risk of soil erosion and degradation. Using the existing groundwater level data, the potential map of groundwater was validated to confirm its validity. According to the guidelines provided by the Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD), the results of the groundwater potential zones for good to very good zones have been integrated at the slope and stream order. In a 120.94 km2 area with a slope of 0–5% in first-order streams, 36 ponds were proposed, and in a 218.03 km2 area with a slope of 15% in first- to fourth-order streams, 105 retention dams were proposed and recognized as possible sites for artificial groundwater recharge. The proposed water harvesting structure may aid in continuously recharging these zones and benefit water resource managers and planners. Thus, various governmental organizations can use the results to identify possible future recharge areas.

Enteric virus removal by municipal wastewater treatment to achieve requirements for potable reuse

Primary and secondary treatment of municipal wastewater contributes to virus removal upstream of advanced purification to produce water for potable reuse. In this study, virus occurrence by cultivable and molecular methods was measured over a 24-month period in raw wastewater influents and secondary effluents from two municipal wastewater treatment plants that together provide the recycled water source for an advanced water purification facility. Using a rank-paired, covariance-based statistical approach, virus log removal values were determined for four wastewater treatment processes that operate in parallel at the two facilities (two activated sludge processes, trickling filter process, and trickling filter/solids contactor process). The trickling filter process exhibited the lowest observed removal of cultivable enteric virus with a median removal of 1.0 log10 (or 90% removal) and a 5th percentile log removal of 0.73 (or 82%), compared to the greatest removal observed for one of the activated sludge processes (median log removal of 2.4 or 99.6% and 5th percentile of 2.1 or 99.2%). Median log removal observed for male-specific (MS) and somatic (SOM) coliphage was 1.8 (98.6% removal) and 0.5 (70%), respectively, for trickling filter and 2.9 (99.9%) and 2.0 (99%) for activated sludge. Thus, coliphage removal was fairly similar to removal observed for cultivable enteric virus. The cultivable enteric virus 5th percentile removal (0.7) from the trickling filter treatment process was proposed to the state regulator for credit towards state requirements for virus removal related to groundwater augmentation with purified recycled water. Receiving pathogen removal credits for secondary wastewater treatment would allow for an improved margin (safety factor) of credits beyond the minimum required; and in this case may also increase the number of viable future groundwater recharge sites closer to drinking water production wells by reducing the underground travel time otherwise required to obtain sufficient credits.

Identification of potential artificial groundwater recharge sites using GIS and the analytical hierarchy process: case study of Tamellalt plain, Morocco

Identification of potential artificial groundwater recharge sites using GIS and the analytical hierarchy process: case study of Tamellalt plain, Morocco

Delineation of suitable sites for groundwater recharge based on groundwater potential with RS, GIS, and AHP approach for Mand catchment of Mahanadi Basin

Groundwater management requires a systematic approach since it is crucial to the long-term viability of livelihoods and regional economies all over the world. There is insufficient groundwater management and difficulties in storage plans as a result of increased population, fast urbanisation, and climate change, as well as unpredictability in rainfall frequency and intensity. Groundwater exploration using remote sensing (RS) data and geographic information system (GIS) has become a breakthrough in groundwater research, assisting in the assessment, monitoring, and conservation of groundwater resources. The study region is the Mand catchment of the Mahanadi basin, covering 5332.07 km2 and is located between 21°42′15.525″N and 23°4′19.746″N latitude and 82°50′54.503″E and 83°36′1.295″E longitude in Chhattisgarh, India. The research comprises the generation of thematic maps, delineation of groundwater potential zones and the recommendation of structures for efficiently and successfully recharging groundwater utilising RS and GIS. Groundwater Potential Zones (GPZs) were identified with nine thematic layers using RS, GIS, and the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method. Satty's Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to rank the nine parameters that were chosen. The generated GPZs map indicated regions with very low, low to medium, medium to high, and very high groundwater potential encompassing 962.44 km2, 2019.92 km2, 969.19 km2, and 1380.42 km2 of the study region, respectively. The GPZs map was found to be very accurate when compared with the groundwater fluctuation map, and it is used to manage groundwater resources in the Mand catchment. The runoff of the study area can be accommodated by the computing subsurface storage capacity, which will raise groundwater levels in the low and low to medium GPZs. According to the study results, various groundwater recharge structures such as farm ponds, check dams and percolation tanks were suggested in appropriate locations of the Mand catchment to boost groundwater conditions and meet the shortage of water resources in agriculture and domestic use. This study demonstrates that the integration of GIS can provide an efficient and effective platform for convergent analysis of various data sets for groundwater management and planning.

Selecting suitable sites for groundwater recharge in Jordan using the spreading techniques via the integration of multi-criteria decision analysis and geographic information system tools

Over exploitation of groundwater resources in Jordan has resulted in the depletion and degradation of many groundwater aquifers. Most aquifers are heavily exploited and are expected to dry up by 2040. These pressing challenges require Jordan to find creative and sustainable solutions. Since the annual natural groundwater recharge rate is limited to 0.1–5%, managed aquifer recharge is a proposed solution for Jordan to enhance recharge. The spreading technique is one method used to deliberately recharge water into groundwater aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefits. This study presents a tool based on a geographic information system-multi criteria analysis to identify the potential sites for groundwater recharge in Jordan using the spreading technique. Large sets of spatial data were used to develop a potential site suitability map for managed aquifer recharge spreading methods; the criteria were chosen based on technical, economic, and environmental considerations. The site assessment combined fourteen thematic maps to create suitability maps using the weighted linear combination approach, which were combined with constraint mapping using the Boolean logic. Constraint mapping showed that nearly 47% (7198 km2) of the study area did not meet the minimum criteria. The site assessment criteria on the remaining areas showed that about 4% (618.7 km2) of the study area has low suitability, 14% (2123 km2) has moderate suitability, 20% (3101 km2) is suitable, and 15% (2388 km2) is highly suitable. Managed aquifer recharge has a great potential in the relief of water stress in arid areas. Existing geospatial tools and the increasing availability of spatial data are a great asset to local authorities in water planners.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Identify Suitable Artificial Groundwater Recharge Areas for the Iranshahr Basin

A water supply is vital for preserving usual human living standards, industrial development, and agricultural growth. Scarce water supplies and unplanned urbanization are the primary impediments to results in dry environments. Locating suitable sites for artificial groundwater recharge (AGR) could be a strategic priority for countries to recharge groundwater. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) techniques provide valuable tools for producing an AGR site suitability map (AGRSSM). This research developed an ML algorithm to identify the most appropriate location for AGR in Iranshahr, one of the major districts in the East of Iran characterized by severe drought and excessive groundwater consumption. The area’s undue reliance on groundwater resources has resulted in aquifer depletion and socioeconomic problems. Nine digitized and georeferenced data layers have been considered for preparing the AGRSSM, including precipitation, slope, geology, unsaturated zone thickness, land use, distance from the main rivers, precipitation, water quality, and transmissivity of soil. The developed AGRSSM was trained and validated using 1000 randomly selected points across the study area with an accuracy of 97%. By comparing the results of the proposed sites with those of other methods, it was discovered that the artificial intelligence method could accurately determine artificial recharge sites. In summary, this study uses a novel approach to identify optimal AGR sites using machine learning algorithms. Our findings have practical implications for policymakers and water resource managers looking to address the problem of groundwater depletion in Iranshahr and other regions facing similar challenges. Future research in this area could explore the applicability of our approach to other regions and examine the potential economic benefits of using AGR to recharge groundwater.

Mapping of potential groundwater recharge sites in the Smaâla area (Central Morocco)

Groundwater recharge is the process that allows water to percolate through permeable/or fractured rocks, and to enter an aquifer. Due to the large permeability of fractures at various scales, aquifers can store large quantities of water; therefore, such aquifers could be good candidates for water exploitation. In following this research, we propose the fractal dimension (FD) as an efficient tool to analyse and quantify the density and complexity of fractures as an index to assess the potentiality of groundwater recharge. The work was carried out in the region of Smaâla, Central Morocco, characterised by semi-arid Mediterranean climate with a mean annual temperature above 26 °C, and an average annual precipitation of 302 mm. In this area, the fracture networks associated with the Hercynian orogeny, were mapped and then quantified by the FD calculated using the box-counting method. The obtained results indicated that the Smaâla area can be divided according to the fracture density into three zones: zones of low FD (≈1.3–1.4) identified as poor groundwater recharge sites, spread in the southeast part of the study area; zones of medium FD (≈1.4–1.5) identified as good to moderate groundwater recharge sites, scattered across the western and southern part of the study area; and zones of high FD (≈1.5–1.61) identified as good to excellent groundwater recharge sites, scattered to the northeast and central part of the study area. Through this study, it seems that the fractal approach can be used as a representative parameter to assess the potentiality and availability of groundwater.

Identification of potential artificial groundwater recharge sites in an alluvial setting: A coupled electrical resistivity tomography and sediment characterization study

Alluvial aquifers are one of the most exploited and easily accessible aquifer networks across the world, as they coincide with regions of intensive human settlements. Over the years, improper management and overexploitation of groundwater has severely stressed the natural replenishing capacity of these aquifer systems. Identification of potential artificial recharge networks and their monitoring are urgently needed for long-term sustainable groundwater management. In this study, an efficient and cost-effective strategy to locate prospective groundwater recharge zones is devised by integrating electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), sediment characterization, and temporal monitoring techniques. The efficacy of the above strategy is evaluated in the central part of Indo-Gangetic basin (IGB). Correlation of 2-D ERT models with borehole lithology and depth-wise variation of hydraulic parameters deciphered the existence of prospective regions composed of highly permeable strata within ∼6–48 m depth. In addition, the behavior of the delineated prospective regions was monitored by applying time-lapse ERT study. The comparison of time-lapse 2-D ERT models highlighted a significant reduction in post-monsoon resistivity profiles, suggesting an increase in saturation levels due to infiltration of rainwater. This study provides an integrated cost-effective approach for identification of prospective artificial recharge sites and monitoring their efficacy in replenishing shallow aquifers, thereby enabling sustainable groundwater management.

Groundwater recharge site suitability analysis through multi-influencing factors (MIF) in West Bengal dry-land areas, West Bengal, India

Groundwater recharge site suitability analysis through multi-influencing factors (MIF) in West Bengal dry-land areas, West Bengal, India

Methodology for Identification of Potential Sites for Artificial Groundwater Recharge in Punjab Province of Pakistan

Groundwater is a precious gift of nature and is being used for drinking, agricultural, industrial, livestock. In Punjab province of Pakistan groundwater is contributing about fifty percent towards irrigation water requirements where a large aquifer underlying the Indus River Basin (IRB) is being depleted rapidly. In the present research a methodology/criterion has been developed and applied for identification of the suitable sites for recharging the aquifer artificially in the Punjab province in Pakistan. Major activities carried out include the installation of exploratory boreholes, collection and analysis of soil and water samples, determination of aquifer parameter (hydraulic conductivity) in laboratory. Other field observations include observation of groundwater levels, land availability, water availability, and physiographic features. On the basis of field surveys and laboratory investigations, criteria for identification of potential sites for artificial recharge to augment the groundwater reservoir has been developed. Keeping in view the parameters adopted in the criteria, thirteen potential sites in the critical areas have been identified for artificial recharge to replenish the depleting groundwater levels. This research provides guidelines for the decision-makers for future investment for sustainable groundwater management.

Investigation of potential sites for ground water recharge in urban areas (Faisalabad)

The increasing world population led to extensive agriculture and expansion of industries, thereby, putting greater demand on water. In the last few decades, an increasing awareness has thus been shown on the importance of occurrence and distribution of water on the earth. A great importance is now being given to hydrology all over the world in the development and management of water resources. The life on Earth is directly related to temperature, air and water. Salt water covers about 97% of the total water. Only 1% is available to living organisms. The quality of this 1% is continually being degraded. Some of it is contaminated and cannot support life. The scarcity of water has become an established factor now and the intensity of problem is increasing day by day. Human use of natural water particular of fresh water resources have increased steadily over the centuries. Ground water is used as main source of drinking water and about 30% of world’s fresh water is stored as ground water. By realizing the importance of the problem, the issue of decreasing levels in the ground water has been addressed globally. Various countries are adopting different strategies and plan to cope with the alarming situation. Artificial recharge of ground water has become a common practice around the globe during the last few decades. The project and study primarily focuses on the artificial recharge method of ground water. The study is based on different techniques and their application in the Faisalabad region of Pakistan. Through these studies and suggestions, we can improve the situation and decreasing levels of ground water. The recharged aquifers then can be used to provide water for purposes like drinking etc. Further the conclusions are drawn related to existing situation and recommendations are made for the proper management and preservation of groundwater.

Delineating potential sites for artificial groundwater recharge using a mathematical approach to remote sensing and GIS techniques

Abstract The management of available groundwater resources is vital in arid and semi-arid regions. Artificial recharging should be integrated with groundwater resources to maintain long-term water sustainability. This study applied the cost-effective and time-saving techniques of remote sensing and GIS to delineate the groundwater recharge potential in the Al-Sarhan Basin, located in arid and semiarid regions of Jordan, by following the weighted linear combination method. The results revealed three distinct groundwater potential recharge zones (low, moderate, and high potential zones). High to moderate groundwater recharge potential zones occupied 75% of the Al-Sarhan area with considerable artificial recharge capacity because of the suitable geology, soil texture, drainage density, and flat terrain conditions. The maps produced also depicted that 25% of the Al-Sarhan area possesses low groundwater recharging potential. The model further revealed that 93% of the wells in the study area were located in potential groundwater recharge zones.

Geochemistry and Provenance of Springs in a Baja California Sur Mountain Catchment

Fractured rock aquifers cover much of Earth's surface and are important mountain sites for groundwater recharge but are poorly understood. To investigate groundwater systematics of a fractured-dominated aquifer in Baja California Sur, Mexico, we examined the spatial patterns of aquifer recharge and connectivity using the geochemistry of springs. We evaluate a range of geochemical data within the context of two endmember hypotheses describing spatial recharge patterns and fracture connectivity. Hypothesis 1 is that the aquifer system is segmented, and springs are fed by local recharge. Hypothesis 2 is that the aquifer system is well connected, with dominant recharge occurring in the higher elevations. The study site is a small <15 km2 catchment. Thirty-four distinct springs and two wells were identified in the study area, and 24 of these sites were sampled for geochemical analyses along an elevation gradient and canyon transect. These analyses included major ion composition, trace element and strontium isotopes, δ18 O and δ2 H isotopes, radiocarbon, and tritium. δ18 O and δ2 H isotopes suggest that the precipitation feeding the groundwater system has at least two distinct sources. Carbon isotopes showed a change along the canyon transect, suggesting that shorter flowpaths feed springs in the top of the transect, and longer flowpaths discharge near the bottom. Geochemical interpretations support a combination of the two proposed hypotheses. Understanding of the connectivity and provenance of these springs is significant as they are the primary source of water for the communities that inhabit this region and may be impacted by changes in recharge and use.

Identification of Artificial Recharge Sites for Nand Samand Catchment

Abstract: Security of groundwater is widely regarded as a serious impediment to India's economic and social progress. According to the Central Ground Water Board's (CGWB) assessment, India's groundwater tables are plummeting at an alarming rate, with reserves in some regions reaching critical levels. Unregulated groundwater use in southern peninsular India has also resulted in excessive extraction, lowering the 'critical' threshold. With over 30 million groundwater structures in use, India is on the verge of a disaster of over-extraction that will leave 60% of all aquifers in critical condition within the next two decades. To resolve the issue, a variety of renewable groundwater solutions must be implemented. Artificial recharge is a procedure that augments groundwater at a pace that is significantly greater than the rate of replenishment under natural conditions, which may give a solution. The current study is for the Nand Samand catchment in the district of Rajasthan. The investigation of artificial groundwater recharge sites is being conducted using an integrated Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) approach. Thematic maps such as topographic elevation, post-mosoon groundwater level, recharge, slope, transmissivity and soils map are created, and weighted overlay analysis is used to identify areas suitable for artificial recharge. Keywords: Nand Samand catchment, artificial recharge zone, thematic map, remote sensing, GIS