Achieving Ground Water Sustainability in Iran through Qanat Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation of ancient Persian qanats offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for groundwater management in arid regions, outperforming conventional dams. The study highlights that floodwater spreading and artificial groundwater recharge (ARG) can restore 30,000 desiccated qanats while preserving aquifers, unlike dams which face issues like sedimentation, evaporation, and high costs. Long-term ARG projects demonstrate that maintaining constant flow in qanats ensures groundwater sustainability, providing a viable alternative for water-short regions with suitable geological conditions.

Rahnemaei, M. (2013). Achieving Ground Water Sustainability in Iran through Qanat Rejuvenation. Journal of Waste Water Treatment & Analysis, 04(02). https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7587.1000150