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Preventing Runoff Losses in Border Watersheds: Effectiveness of Rainwater Harvesting Systems (Case Study: Esfandak Saravan Watershed)
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Mojtaba Mohamadi *   , Masooleh Forozanfard |
| Higher Education Complex of Saravan |
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Abstract: (280 Views) |
| Border watersheds, also known as transboundary watersheds, are areas of land that drain water to a shared water body, such as a river, lake, or sea. These watersheds are particularly important for Iran, providing water resources for agriculture, industry, and human consumption, as well as ecological benefits for biodiversity and climate regulation. One such significant border watershed in Iran is located in the eastern province of Balochistan, bordering Pakistan. It, known as Hamoun Mashekil, is the country's easternmost watershed and annually loses 297 million cubic meters of runoff from Iran to Pakistan. Given the crucial role of border watersheds in Iran, especially in arid regions, there is an urgent need for integrated and participatory water management, along with sustainable and efficient water use within the country. This study investigates the necessity and significance of surface water harvesting systems and their role in preventing water loss in the Esfandak Saravan border watershed. Recognizing the importance of analyzing runoff in border watersheds and the significance of the Esfandak watershed in Saravan City, the study begins by examining the status and trend of discharge at the Esfandak hydrometry station located at the source of the Mashkid River. For this purpose, the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test is employed. Due to the absence of hydrometry stations throughout the watershed, the study utilizes Treaclimate satellite imagery data to assess the runoff status and volume of runoff flowing from Iran to Pakistan. The results indicate a downward (decreasing) trend in discharge at the studied station on both seasonal and annual scales. Notably, this trend is statistically significant at the 95% level for spring and summer seasons on an annual basis. Analysis of a 22-year dataset (2000-2020) reveals that, on average, over 13 million cubic meters of water collected by this watershed flows from Iran to Pakistan via the border river. Without water harvesting structures, watershed management, and aquifer storage, this water is lost through runoff. Therefore, by effectively and efficiently implementing rainwater harvesting systems, the region can achieve its sustainable development goals and enhance its water security. |
Article number: 4 |
| Keywords: Rainwater harvesting, TerraClimate, Sistan va Balouchestan, water Resource management |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
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