Identification of Potential Artificial Groundwater Recharge Sites Using GIS and the Analytical Hierarchy Process: Case Study of Tamellalt Plain, Morocco

Groundwater resources are crucial in arid and semiarid regions with limited rainfall and surface-water scarcity. However, these areas face challenges such as high evaporation and groundwater contamination, leading to dangerously low groundwater levels. This research identifies suitable locations for artificial groundwater recharge to address these challenges, improve long-term resource performance, and promote water conservation and storage. Artificial recharge sites were identified based on various criteria, in conjunction with geographic information system (GIS) methods, including slope, soil type, geology, geomorphology, land cover, groundwater depth, hydraulic conductivity, electrical conductivity, and drainage density. Each criterion was evaluated using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and experts from different disciplines contributed through pairwise comparisons. The study focuses on the Tamellalt region (Morocco) as a representative arid area. The AHP findings reveal that aquifer transmissivity is the most significant factor, accounting for 16.08% of the total influence, while the recharge component represents only 8.22%. Combining thematic maps generated a potential final map, indicating that 54% of the land is suitable for artificial groundwater recharge. These areas are further categorized as good, moderate, and poor, covering respective land areas of 183,600, 125,800, and 30,600 ha. These locations exhibit high infiltration potential and good water quality, making them favorable for artificial recharge, particularly in regions with significant pluvial water accumulation. Overall, this research provides insights into addressing groundwater depletion in arid regions. Identifying suitable sites for artificial recharge offers a potential solution to enhance long-term water resource management, promote conservation, and mitigate water scarcity challenges.