Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Groundwater in the Fifth District, Ansari Passage, Mazar-e-Sharif City

Abstract

Water, as one of the most essential natural resources for sustainable development, is of great importance, especially in areas that face not only quantitative limitations but also qualitative threats. In the fifth district of Mazar-e-Sharif, groundwater resources are under pressure both quantitatively due to population growth and qualitatively due to poor wastewater management and improper water consumption. The aim of this research is to assess the current status of groundwater and identify the challenges of water resource management in this area. The figures of this study include official statistics from the Balkh River Basin Authority (BRBA), field observations, and sampling from monitoring wells. The results indicate that during the years 2020-2024, the groundwater level has significantly decreased, with the water depth dropping by approximately 6.5 meters during this period. In terms of quality, due to the lack of a sewage system, wastewater pollution, and acid rain, the quality of the water has been severely affected. To improve the situation, measures such as the implementation of advanced irrigation systems, the use of modern methods to reduce water consumption, proper management of water resources, the establishment of a sewage system, waste management, and the control of industrial wastewater are essential.