Use of a GIS-multi-criteria decision analysis and web-based decision support tools for mapping and sharing managed aquifer recharge feasibility in Enfidha plain, NE of Tunisia

Suitability mapping for managed aquifer recharge is recently gaining more attention because of its potential in producing comprehensive maps easily interpreted and used by policy makers. In front of the divers existing methodologies, an adapted approach for the arid and semi-arid conditions of Tunisia was developed to generate a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) suitability and feasibility maps within a participatory approach with stakeholders. A Geographical Information Systems coupled with multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA) was applied to establish the suitability and feasibility of MAR in Enfidha plain, NE of Tunisia. Selected criterions were spatialized under GIS thematic layers, and they were standardized based on literature and experts’ opinions regarding their importance in MAR implementation. Weights of each criterion were determined using analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Intrinsic suitability map was obtained using weighted linear combination (WLC) by the mean of ArcGIS software and via the INOWAS (innovative web-based decision support system for water sustainability under a changing climate) platform. It shows that more than 80% of the total plain area is intrinsically suitable and highly suitable for MAR. MAR feasibility map was established by overlaying intrinsic suitability, recharge water availability, and water demand maps of the region. It reveals that almost the fifth of the plain has high MAR feasibility potential. A decision support system (DSS) web-portal, namely, INOWAS, was finally used as an effective tool to store, share, and establish the MAR suitability maps with the concerned stakeholders.