Water resources assessment in the region of Ben Azzouz (Hadjar Soud, North East Algeria)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give a better knowledge of water resources in the region of Ben Azzouz, and to improve the actual water management through harmonization between the various human communities needs. Design/methodology/approach – After an overview of the geology and hydroclimatology of the study area, the work will be to identify the factors involved in the water balance in the quantitative assessment of groundwater resources, to define areas of use and to estimate water needs for different uses. Findings – The study of the area shows two distinct water reservoirs: the deep aquifer composed of fractured limestone, sands and gravels, and surface massive dune sand aquifer. The impermeable formations are the metamorphic basement and overlying flyschs nappes. Because the average rainfall is relatively high (∼708 mm/year), the region is known by its agricultural vocation and, therefore, most of surface water is assigned to irrigation. The second potential water consumer is population with 2.660 Hm3/year, then industrial needs are 1.793 Hm3/year. Although there was no marked water deficit in the region in the period 2007-2013, it is now time to apply concepts of integrated and sustainable management of water resources in this region because of the growing agricultural practice and population needs. Originality/value – A quantitative diagnosis of water potential of the study area was evaluated for a better rational use of water resources.