Estimation of groundwater recharge in the plain of Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria

Abstract

In Sidi Bel abbes, 30% of drinking water needs are met with groundwater. The remaining 70% are transferred from abutting cities. A situation expected to worsen due to predicted precipitation drop and population growth. Thus, identifying and quantifying the parameters of the water budget in the study area is necessary to implement adequate management and exploitation policies. In this paper, we present the full water balance of the plain of Sidi Bel Abbes for the period 2015-2016, combining the natural components of the water cycle and anthropogenic activities. The results show that the actual evapotranspiration and the runoff equal 311mm and 30mm respectively. Infiltration is equivalent to 17% of rainfall and represents 52Mm³/yr of groundwater recharge. The water deficit between the total inflows and outflows remains considerable (29Mm³/yr), despite the authorities efforts.