Author(s)

M. Ergil & A. Gunyakti

Abstract

QSaltwater intrusion problems in Guzelyurt aquifer M. Ergil, A. Gunyakti Civil Engineering Department of Lefke University, and Civil Engineering Department of Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey ABSTRACT The only source of irrigation and municipal water demand in Guzelyurt area is groundwater. Its coastal aquifer has been pumped at an increasing rate to supply the continuously rising water demand and the equilibrium between saltwater and freshwater bodies has been modified since 1950. About 90 square kilometre irrigated land in Guzelyurt area suffers a very important saltwater intrusion problem due to water pumping over the aquifer capacity. The annual water potential for this area is estimated as 60 MCM while the required amount is above 100 MCM yielding a deficit of 40 MCM. This causes a drawdown of groundwater table and salinization of freshwater sources, as the water analysis

Keywords