Wellhead Protection Areas Delimitation in Karstic Aquifers. Aplication in Guadalquivir River Basin (Spain)

Abstract

Protection of groundwater destined for human consumption is one of the environmental priority aims since the Water Framework Directive (WFD) was put into effect. With this aim, traditionally wellhead protection areas have been delimited using analytical methods. Due to the carbonate aquifers singularities, a methodology to delimit wellhead protection areas is presented that complements the above mentioned methods with a hydrogeological characterization. This methodology has been applied in four main phases of work: firstly, water supply point features, secondly hydrogeological and hydrodynamic parameters data collection, boundaries and hydrogeological running outline; thirdly, hydrogeological surfaces meaning and zoning and finally, hydrogeological running and budget analysis at body water scale. The methodology offers more accurate delimitation and reduces the uncertainties derived from the hydrogeological features of these aquifers. Finally, the obtained results show the zoning established around each catchment areas by means of this methodology.