SWIMED - Sustainable water management in Mediterranean coastal aquifers: recharge assessment and modelling issues

Under the SWIMED project an integrated approach combining advanced computational tools (numerical modelling and optimisation) and GIS, was used to develop sustainable water resources management in Mediterranean coastal aquifers. Particular emphasis was devoted to artificial recharge (including wastewater reuse).

Six field study sites were selected for demonstration, validation and assessment purposes, at: Akrotiri (Cyprus), Muravera (Sardinia, Italy), Cap Bon (Tunisia), Souss (Morocco), Gaza Plain (Palestine) and the Rio Velez aquifer (Spain). Data sets were collected and embodied within a geographic information system for easy access and search, visualisation and thematic map production. 3D Numerical models for groundwater flow, seawater intrusion and optimisation procedures were developed and implemented. The tools are then applied for investigating field sites Southward and Northward. Scenarios varying recharge location and storage capacity were simulated to assess the best control of seawater intrusion and meeting demand requirements.