Assessment of Temporal Changes in Depth to Groundwater in Qushtapa and Shamamik Area in Erbil Basin, Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Abstract

Uncontrolled groundwater extraction, unregulated activities, and the impacts of global climate change have contributed to the depletion of groundwater resources in the Erbil Basin, Kurdistan Region. This work aims to illustrate the depth to groundwater in Qushtapa and Shamamik areas to highlight the significant disparity in groundwater levels over the past 20 years. The data from 20 monitoring wells were recorded and mapped using GIS, utilizing the IDW spatial interpolation method. The results of this study show the increase in the depth to static groundwater level in the Qushtapa area from 2005-2024 is ranged between about 102.5 m and 30.2 m, measured at the Qushtapa well and Azyana well, respectively. In Shamamik, the increase in the depth to static groundwater level is ranged between 99.6 m and 58.1 m at the Pirdawd well, Tandura well, respectively. A continuous drop in groundwater level, despite increased precipitation, indicate unsustainable groundwater extraction. The interpolated maps show that the intensive decline started in 2015 and became more pronounced by 2024. The most affected area is the center of the Qushtapa, while northwest of Shamamik and northeast of Qushtapa are less affected. These findings offer valuable insights into the need for enhanced water management and enable decision-makers to devise optimal solutions for this resource’s sustainability. The Kurdistan Region Government’s launch of the strategic Qushtapa Water Project will play a crucial role in protecting the region's water resources from over-exploitation.