Assessing Water Resource Sustainability in Sarchnar Spring Using ( QSWAT+) and Remote Sensing

October 2025 , Pages 705-718

Authors

Shilan E. Arif Arif 1 ; Kawa Z. Abdulrahman Abdulrahman 2

1 Municipality of Sulaimaniyah- Sulaimaniyah-Iraq

2 Water Resources Engineering Dept.-College of Engineering-Sulaimani University, Kurdistan Region Iraq

DOI logo 10.17656/11780

Keywords

Abstract

 Safeguarding traditional groundwater systems under mounting environmental and Man-made pressures is a pressing challenge for sustainable water management in semi-arid regions. This study investigates the Sarchnar Spring basin in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, a vital karst-fed source supplying approximately 32.5 million cubic meters of potable water annually. An integrated modeling approach, combining the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (QSWAT) with remote sensing, is employed to assess the spring's hydrological dynamics and sustainability. Simulations reveal that recharge is predominantly driven by precipitation and surface runoff, with annual estimates showing 99.17 mm of runoff, 346.60 mm of shallow aquifer recharge, and 18.47 mm replenish deeper aquifers. These results emphasize the critical role of shallow groundwater in sustaining spring flow, which is increasingly threatened by drought, urbanization, and over-abstraction. Field observations confirm declining water levels and reduced recharge capacity. To address these challenges, the study proposes a mitigation framework based on low-impact development (LID), green infrastructure (e.g., bioswales, permeable pavements), aquifer protection zones, and water-efficient technologies. These strategies demonstrate practical potential for enhancing groundwater resilience and aligning with integrated water resources management (IWRM) principles. The findings highlight the effectiveness of combining QSWAT+ modeling and remote sensing for sustainable water assessment in karst environments and offer actionable insights for policy and planning in the Kurdistan Region and similar contexts.

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  • First online20 October 2025
  • Published at20 October 2025

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