Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment Using Drastic and Gis in Deveh Aquifer, Syria

Abstract

Groundwater is the main source for drinking water worldwide, thus, its contamination is a major concern. Deveh aquifer is a great example of that. Its water serves to more than 10000 people for drinking, agriculture and other purposes. The aquifer covers an area of 170 km2. However, it was heavily contaminated in 2006 and went out of service for more than few months. The aim of this research is to assess the vulnerability of this aquifer using the DRASTIC Method in order to explain this contamination event and to start a groundwater management plan. The vulnerability assessment map showed that (48%) of the studied area are highly vulnerable groundwater, with a DRASTIC index of (106) and covers 82km2. (23%) of total area have moderate vulnerability, with DRASTIC indices (94), (96) and covers 40 km2. The recharging area of Deveh aquifer has a high and moderate vulnerability to contamination which is considered as the main source of pollution. Furthermore, there is a hydrogeological link between Earth's surface and the aquifer, thus, create the answer to the contamination incident.