Using GIS and Geostatistical Techniques for Mapping Piezometry and Groundwater Quality of the Albian Aquifer of the M’zab Region, Algerian Sahara

The M’zab region is subject to an arid Saharan climate where surface and sub-surface waters are of little importance. Albian Aquifer, commonly called Continental Intercalary (CI), main component North Western Sahara Aquifer System (NWSAS/SASS), constitutes the most extensive aquifer formation region. In our study area, CI identified, as a regional subset, Region (AAMR). Its groundwater resources considered only source available meet growing needs drinking water supply, agriculture industry. This heavily exploited by very large number wells (more than 750). supply low, so it low renewable layer. requires periodic monitoring control its piezometric level physico- chemical quality. objective know current state this aquifer, while studying variation piezometry for period 2010-2018, also quality analyzing more 90 samples over entire area. application geostatistics kriging steps analysis, modelling calculation semivariogram have enabled us draw up maps various hydrogeological hydrochemical parameters. As result, twelve thematic were gridded using Geostatistical tools ArcGIS software. water-level-change map showed significant drop in especially around major cities (Ghardaïa, Berriane, Metlili Zelfana) with 8 meters. Chemical analyses area show dominance evaporite facies (Cl--Na+-Ca2+) concentrations Algerian Standards Drinking (ASD). All indices (WQI) that been mapped reveal suitable irrigation high located south