Karst groundwater management by defining protection zones based on regional geological structures and groundwater flow fields

Karst regions, occupy approximately 25% of the land surface of the earth. Karst aquifers are often major sources of water supply in these areas. However, karst aquifers are generally considered to be particularly vulnerable to pollution and anthropogenic impacts. Large withdrawals of water in karst areas for municipal, agricultural, and industrial use may competitively affect water supply in surrounding areas; deterioration of surface water and groundwater quality from agricultural, industrial, or private development may occur; and improper injections of waste into a karst system may contaminate a water supply. To utilize karst groundwater sustainably, measures for elimination of pollution sources and protection of groundwater are necessary. Typical preventative strategies include establishment of groundwater protection zones (Kacaroglu 1999). Doerfliger et al. (1999) described a new method of defining protection areas using a multi-attribute approach and GIS tools (EPIK method). This approach is based on vulnerability mapping of the catchment areas of water supply using data provided by springs or boreholes. The application at the Saint-Imier test site (Swiss Jura) resulted in recommendations for new boundaries for the protection-zone. Biondic et al. (1998) proposed the two criteria on which determination of karst aquifer protection zones in Yonghong Hao Tian-Chyi J. Yeh Caihong Hu Yanrong Wang Xia Li Karst groundwater management by defining protection zones based on regional geological structures and groundwater flow fields