Developing a methodology for estimating the groundwater levels of coastal aquifers in the Gareb-Bourag plains, Morocco embedding the visual MODFLOW techniques in groundwater modeling system

The objectives of this work are to control the groundwater levels of the coastal aquifer of Gareb-Bouareg from Rif Morocco using Visual MODFLOW techniques, as part of the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS 7.0), to bring the water table back to safety limit and to prevent any further rise of this water table. However, the calibrated and validated model makes it possible to carry out several scenarios whose objective is to test the impact of various modes of exploitation on the water table in an area suffering from waterlogging problems, such as the case of the Gareb-Bouareg aquifer from Morocco. The results obtained according to the optimal and realistic scenario made it possible to lower the piezometric level of 5.42 m over an area of 14 km2 by applying a pumping of 300 L/s on 10 wells with a flow rate of 30 L/s/well. This technique could be improved by reducing inputs through water-saving irrigation practices or by applying corrective measures to increase the outflows that will eventually be demineralized and exploited for drinking water consumption. Conceptual model of the studied aquifer. [Display omitted] •This study aim to control the rise in the groundwater level causing the appearance of marshy areas.•Coupled Modflow-GIS was used and the model was validated using field data.•Several scenarios have been conducted after calibration and validation of the model.•The results of realistic scenario shows that the water-table decreases by a maximum of 5.42 m.•The abstraction-sensitive zone generated extends an area of 14 km2.