Impact of iron concentration as a result of groundwater exploitation on the Nubian sandstone aquifer in El Kharga Oasis, western desert, Egypt

The over exploitation represents the main problem of sustainable development of the groundwater aquifer in the study area, large drop in groundwater heads was recorded, it reached from 70 to 80 m, the main trend of water flow was also disturbed and many depleted closed areas were appeared. Groundwater quality shows relatively high salinity contents of some groundwater samples and abnormal concentration of iron element which was ranging from 2 to 10 mg/l produces rust-colored deposits and a brown slime that builds up on well screens, pipes, and plumbing fixtures. The dominant water type is sodium bicarbonate followed by sodium sulfate and sodium chloride. For proper development and optimal utilization of such non-renewable resources, daily groundwater exploitation should be decreased; the minimum spacing between wells should not be less than 2 km and total depth of wells should be between 600 and 700 m. Moreover, the present flood irrigation system should be replaced by more developed drip, sprinkle irrigation methods and less water consume crops should be recommended.