Assessment and Suggested Management of Water Resources in an Arid Region, Béchar, Southwestern Algeria

The Béchar region is located in the southwest of Algeria, characterized by an arid climate with a Saharan tendency. It is subject to an increasing demand for water, like all the great agglomerations, due to economic and demographic development. The present work is a detailed estimate of groundwater and superficial water in the Béchar region, for an appropriate management and adequate use of this resource. The water resources come mainly from the DjorfTorba dam and Turonian aquifer, with a flow estimated at more than 500 l/s. Moreover, the superficial resources are an important part of the water heritage of the Béchar region, with a permanent flow of various streams that carry a considerable volume, with important hydraulic structures allowing the mobilization of a certain volume. It will be a basic tool, essential for effective water management in dryland environments. It will also raise awareness of the need to manage water resources in order to reconcile socio-economic development and preserve aquatic environments, and balance different uses to ensure sustainable development. The results will contribute to the design of an integrated water management model that could be generalized for arid zones.