Flowpath is the National Meeting on Hydrogeology promoted by the Italian Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists. Since its first editions, the meeting has provided a place where young hydrogeologists, researchers, professionals, public administrations and water managers can meet, exchange experiences and discuss current challenges in groundwater science and practice. Its main objectives are to promote dialogue among the new generations of hydrogeologists, to explore the role of groundwater in a changing climate, to update the scientific and professional community on emerging hydrogeological issues, and to encourage the contribution of researchers, practitioners and institutions to the sustainable management of groundwater resources. [...]
Hydrogeology is a complex field that requires an understanding of both hydrology and geology, and it is interlinked with many other disciplines, from health science to agriculture and social sciences. It is also a growing subject, since climate change and anthropic pressures on the water cycle and aquifers worldwide have become more and more evident and need to be addressed with adequate knowledge and tools. [...]
[Article in Italian] Un “impianto geotermico a circuito aperto” è un sistema in cui lo scambio termico col sottosuolo è effettuato, diversamente da un sistema a circuito chiuso (che utilizza sonde geotermiche), tramite prelievo di acqua sotterranea mediante un normale pozzo per acqua e re-immissione dell’acqua stessa nel sottosuolo mediante un altro pozzo oppure in un corpo idrico superficiale; l’impianto comprende una pompa di calore (PDC) geotermica (quindi acqua-acqua), cioè una macchina termo-frigorifera elettrica, che trasferisce calore tra due ambienti (il sottosuolo e il volume da riscaldare o raffreddare) a temperatura differente; la PDC, in un ambiente abitativo, sostituisce la caldaia per il riscaldamento invernale e la produzione di acqua calda sanitaria e, ove dotata di inverter, sostituisce anche ogni altro dispositivo per la climatizzazione estiva; in un ambiente produttivo sostituisce altri dispositivi per la produzione di energia termica. [...]
[Article in Italian] Un “impianto geotermico a circuito chiuso” è un sistema in cui lo scambio termico col sottosuolo è affidato alla realizzazione di sonde geotermiche, diversamente da un sistema a circuito aperto, che utilizza pozzi ad acqua di falda; l’impianto comprende, oltre alle sonde geotermiche, una pompa di calore (PDC) geotermica (acqua-acqua), cioè una macchina termo-frigorifera elettrica, che trasferisce calore tra due ambienti (il sottosuolo e il volume da riscaldare o raffreddare) a temperatura differente; la PDC, in un ambiente abitativo, sostituisce la caldaia per il riscaldamento invernale e la produzione di acqua calda sanitaria, e, ove dotata di inverter, sostituisce anche ogni altro dispositivo per la climatizzazione estiva; in un ambiente produttivo sostituisce altri dispositivi per la produzione di energia termica. [...]
Calibration (history matching) of groundwater flow and transport models is an essential step to minimize posterior predicting uncertainty, enabling their use to design interventions such as remediation systems in contaminated sites. To encapsulate all information coming from field observations, especially in complex hydrogeological settings, high-dimensional inverse problems are usually set up, which may be difficult or very lengthy to solve. This study applies the Ensemble Space Inversion (ENSI) method to a multi-layer groundwater flow model developed using MODFLOW-USG to design a hydraulic barrier in an industrial area in Central Italy. ENSI projects the inversion problem into a reduced-dimensional parameter space using super-parameters derived from stochastic realizations. The method yields a fast solution that preserves geological plausibility where standard history-matching tools fail to even reach convergence. Results show excellent agreement between observed and simulated heads and drawdowns, with significant computational savings compared to traditional approaches. ENSI proves to be a robust and practical tool for complex hydrogeological models, especially in data-rich and highly heterogeneous settings.
Springs are key discharge points in groundwater systems and provide valuable insights into aquifer dynamics, particularly in Alpine regions, where they often represent the primary expression of subsurface flow. In the Aosta Valley (northwestern Italian Alps), a long-term monitoring network has been operating since 2010 to record water levels, temperatures, and electrical conductivity at representative springs across different geological and climatic settings. By applying site-specific weir equations to continuous water-level data, discharge values were derived for multiple sites over a 14-year period (2010-2024). The results reveal differences in behaviour among the monitored springs. Cheserod, Mascognaz and, to a lesser extent, Entrebin show relatively buffered discharge regimes, whereas Gabiet and Promise display stronger interannual variability. Promise shows a marked increase in discharge in recent years, suggesting changes in recharge dynamics or hydrological functioning. Comparative analyses highlight heterogeneous responses to climatic variability, confirming that Alpine groundwater systems are site-dependent. Graphical tools such as heatmaps, bubble charts and Olympic-pool equivalents were used to facilitate the communication of hydrogeological results to non-specialist audiences. The findings underscore the importance of continuous spring monitoring for both scientific understanding and the sustainable management of drinking-water supplies under changing climatic conditions.
The high valley of the Tenna River is in the central-eastern part of the Sibillini Mts., Central Italy. Within a research agreement between the Sibillini Mts. National Park and the Geological Survey of Italy of ISPRA, hydrogeological surveys aimed to characterize the study area and evaluate possible near-field effects of the 2016-2017 Central Italy seismic sequence on the local groundwater resources, started in June 2018 and were performed until July 2020. Stream discharge and hydrochemical in situ measurements were carried out. The hydrogeological conceptual model built through a rectified cross-section along the high valley of the Tenna River suggested that the Capotenna sector acts as a groundwater recharge area. In this area, a possible post-seismic groundwater depletion, although not adequately quantified because of the limited availability of continuous pre-seismic monitoring data, may have enhanced the depletion already induced by the recent snow-rainfall “decrease”. During the monitoring period, the Scaglia Aquifer at Capotenna had seldom sufficient hydraulic potential to allow the drainage through the underlying marly low-permeability threshold. Along the Tenna streambed, at 1175-990 m a.s.l., groundwater inputs from the Basal Calcareous Aquifer and Maiolica Aquifer were evidenced, the latter by overflow on a low-permeability formation. At lower elevation (985-845 m a.s.l.), in a sector featured by the Basal Calcareous Aquifer, a complex situation of hydraulic exchange between groundwater and surface water was found, likely due to tectonic fragmentation of hosting rocks and/or to the quite thin aquifer sustained by low-permeability layers (evaporitic and marly deposits). The main contributions of this paper, with respect to previous studies on the hydrogeological effects of the 2016-2017 seismic sequence in the Sibillini Mts., were the reconstruction of a local conceptual model, the analysis of groundwater-surface water exchanges along the Tenna River, and the identification of elevation sectors with different hydraulic behavior.
Estimating ecological flows is essential in rivers to achieve the objectives defined by the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD). In the framework of an agreement with the Autorità di Bacino Distrettuale dell’Appennino Centrale, the work aims to present the results of an integrated approach developed to consider various factors affecting the river’s ecological flow (hydrological, hydrobiological, hydrogeological, hydro-morphological, and hydrochemical). The present study focuses on the Nera River, a main tributary of the Tiber River, which is primarily fed by groundwater from limestone aquifers. The river catchment hosts strategic water resources that are crucial for providing drinking water and sustaining aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, river water is utilized for hydropower generation, fish farming, and various recreational activities along the river. The ecological status was rated as good based on the New Index of the Ecological Status of Fish Communities (NISECI), along with physicochemical characterization of river water and hydromorphological characteristics as criteria for its definition. Based on a regional model specifically developed for brown trout of rivers in the Tiber River basin (thus applicable to the Nera River), the minimum ecological flow was set at approximately 2.92 m³/s. Based on flow-duration curves, the average and maximum ecological flow values were also identified as 3.71 and 5.07 m³/s, respectively. The analyses carried out by the Water Exploitation Index Plus (WEI+) revealed medium-to-high stress in the catchment; therefore, withdrawals should be carefully re-planned to minimize further impacts on water-dependent ecosystems. The approach proposed for the Nera River highlights the importance of conducting focused, multidisciplinary studies in areas where groundwater withdrawals interact with groundwater-dependent ecosystems, thereby supporting regional management plans that address the needs of both humans and aquatic ecosystems.
[Article in Italian] Questo profilo storico è dedicato alla figura di Antonio Verri (1839-1925), esponente di preminenza nel panorama scientifico e militare italiano a cavallo tra il XIX e il XX secolo, che incarnò una sintesi esemplare tra rigore operativo e ricerca geologica sistematica. Di particolare interesse per i temi della rivista è un suo contributo sui caratteri geo-idrologici dell’area di Taranto, redatto in collaborazione con il collega Gioacchino De Angelis D’Ossat sul finire dell’Ottocento. [...]
[Article in Italian] La gestione sostenibile delle risorse idriche rappresenta una delle principali sfide globali contemporanee, in virtù del ruolo essenziale dell’acqua dolce quale risorsa indispensabile per il sostentamento della vita e il soddisfacimento dei bisogni umani fondamentali. L’aumento della domanda idrica nei settori domestico, agricolo e industriale ha determinato una crescente pressione sulle risorse idriche sotterranee. Parallelamente, gli effetti dei cambiamenti climatici, sempre più evidenti negli ultimi decenni, contribuiscono all’intensificarsi di condizioni di severità idrica. [...]
This study aims to appraise the vulnerability of aquifers in Ishielu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, using an integrated approach that combines geoelectrical, hydraulic, and physicochemical analyses. The objective is to evaluate the extent of groundwater susceptibility to contamination and identify areas requiring protection. A total of 22 Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) delineated four geoelectric layers, with dominating HA-type curves (28.6%). The third layer, identified as the aquifer unit, showed electrical resistivity values between 2.5 and 100.1 i2m and thicknesses ranging from 14 to 121.1 m. Estimated hydraulic parameters indicated moderate porosity (28.5 - 32.5 %) and hydraulic conductivity (0.16 - 0.18 m/day), suggesting a moderate potential for contaminant transport. The Aquifer Vulnerability Index (AVI) was used to quantify the vulnerability of the subsurface and yielded Log C values between 1.04 and 1.89, classifying all sampled locations as highly vulnerable particularly in the northern and eastern zones. This is likely due to shallower water tables, thinner protective overburden, and more permeable lithologies in these areas. Hydrochemical analyses revealed elevated pH (8.9 - 9.9), high electrical conductivity (513 - 2,130 ,uS/cm), and iron concentrations (0.1223 - 0.9782 mg/L) exceeding WHO standards in several boreholes. Piper diagram interpretation identified the dominant water type as Ca - Cl, indicating both geogenic and anthropogenic influences on groundwater chemistry. The study suggests that aquifers in the area are highly vulnerable and recommends land-use control and continuous groundwater quality monitoring to safeguard public health.
Groundwater is likely the most important freshwater resource on earth supporting drinking water supply, irrigated agriculture, and several aquatic ecosystems. Yet, it remains one of the most complex components of the hydrological cycle to monitor, to model and to manage. Commonly, groundwater studies rely on sparse monitoring wells, or in some cases on limited and dedicated piezometers (for experimental hydrodynamic and hydrochemical monitoring), geophysical investigations, and time and computationally expensive numerical models. On the other hand, Artificial Intelligence (AI) recently emerged as a powerful tool potentially capable of transforming groundwater hydrology by improving prediction, data integration, and, in the end, decision-making in water resources management. [...]
This study evaluates groundwater quality in the Boudinar Basin, northeastern Morocco, for irrigation and drinking purposes. In April 2024, sixteen GPS-referenced tap water samples directly supplied from local groundwater wells were collected across the Boudinar Basin. Major ions and physico-chemical parameters were analyzed using HI83399 and DR 3900 photometers, and a multiparameter probe, while hydrochemical facies and water suitability were evaluated using Piper, Stiff, Stabler, and Wilcox diagrams. Water Quality Index was calculated from twelve parameters. Hydrochemical diagrams indicate that the water is predominantly of the Ca-HCO3 type, with calcium as the dominant cation and bicarbonate as the dominant anion. Magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride are present in lower proportions, reflecting water-rock interactions and potential anthropogenic influences. While pH levels are safe for drinking, salinity exceeds World Health Organization and Moroccan standards in several samples. High calcium concentrations affect water hardness, and aluminum contamination is found in five samples. Other parameters like sodium, nitrates, chloride, and potassium are within acceptable limits. While 37.5% of the samples are suitable for irrigation, 56.25% are poor and require soil drainage and periodic leaching to prevent the accumulation of salts within the root zone. The Water Quality Index shows 11 samples as "Excellent," one as "Good," but three are "Very Poor," and one is "Unfit for all uses." The northern and central regions generally have good water quality, while the southern areas face localized contamination. Sustainable water management strategies, including salinity control and agricultural runoff reduction, are recommended.
[Article in Italian] Ancora una volta, nell’era digitale, sono le pagine di un libro cartaceo ad ispirare una narrazione sull’acqua. Questo profilo storico è dedicato all’archeologo Giuseppe Lugli, figura di spicco della topografia romana, e in particolare ai suoi studi sull’antica topografia idrica della Città Eterna. [...]
Groundwater in coal mining regions is highly vulnerable to contamination from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), posing significant environmental and public health risks. This study applied combined hydrogeochemical and stable/isotopic analyses to assess AMD impacts and recharge mechanisms in the active Pail-Padhrar coal mining area, Chakwal, Pakistan. Water samples were collected from mine sumps, surface bodies, and boreholes (purged prior to sampling), with field measurements of pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Cations, anions, and trace metals were analyzed using AAS, ICPOES, and UV-visible spectrophotometry, while δ18O, δ2H, δ34S, and δ18O of sulfate were measured to trace recharge and geochemical processes. AMD-impacted waters were characterized by SO42-–Cl-–Na+–Ca2+ hydrochemical types, high TDS, low pH, and signatures of sulfide oxidation, evaporation, and silicate weathering. Non-AMD-impacted waters exhibited SO42-–Na+–Ca2+ to Na+–Ca2+–HCO3 types, dominated by rock weathering, mineral dissolution, and ion exchange. Isotopic data confirmed precipitation as the primary recharge source, with d-excess values distinguishing rainwater mixing, evaporation, and AMD influence. Sulfate isotopes revealed pyrite oxidation and gypsum dissolution as major sulfate sources, supported by iron oxyhydroxide presence. These findings highlight the spatial heterogeneity of groundwater processes and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding AMD impacts on aquifer chemistry, essential for sustainable groundwater management in coal mining regions.
Water is the most critical resource in Tunisia, a country characterized by an arid to semi-arid climate along the Mediterranean Sea. With an irregular distribution of rainfall both spatially and temporally, Tunisia’s water resources are highly vulnerable to climate change. According to the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, water scarcity in the region is expected to intensify due to projected decrease in precipitation driven by global warming. [...]
[Article in Italian] Questo profilo storico prende le mosse, come accaduto in numeri precedenti della rivista, da un’interessante pubblicazione di recente data alle stampe. All’attenzione sono stavolta i temi della gestione del rischio idrogeologico e della prevenzione dei rischi territoriali, dall’antichità al presente. [...]
Climate change has profound implications for water security, sanitation, and hygiene in Zambia, particularly in vulnerable peri-urban settlements like Kanyama in Lusaka. Rapid population growth, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, and inadequate infrastructure intersect with climate-induced hazards – such as recurrent flooding – to exacerbate water scarcity and public health risks. Although the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company treats and distributes water exploiting both surface (Kafue River) and groundwater, Kanyama’s per capita access remains critically low due to system inefficiencies and distribution losses. Infrastructure deficiencies lead to frequent leakages and contamination, compromising water quality before it reaches consumers. Poor drainage and sewage systems further increase exposure to waterborne diseases during extreme weather events. These dynamics underscore the need for rigorous chemical and microbiological monitoring to trace contamination sources along the supply chain. This study critically examines water insecurity and climate vulnerability in Kanyama, emphasizing the structural and environmental determinants of public health risk. This was a mixed-method approach involving 100 residents of Kanyama township aged between 15 and 49 years. Data were collected using both questionnaires containing both open and closed-ended questions and interviews. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS® (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software and Microsoft Excel, and presented in tables and graphs, with percentages and frequencies. Results showed Kanyama’s critical dependence on municipal water, with pronounced vulnerabilities due to the lack of alternative sources, intermittent supply, and sporadic contamination. These water security issues are compounded by climate change, rapid urban population growth, substandard infrastructure, and ineffective water governance. While hygiene practices among residents are relatively acceptable, sanitation remains a major concern, as many households rely on shared facilities and store water unsafely. Recurrent flooding, intensified by climate variability, overwhelms inadequate sewer systems and leads to water source contamination, heightening the risk of diarrheal diseases. Despite these risks, the community displays strong awareness of climate-related health impacts, indicating openness to adaptive health strategies. A multi-sectoral approach encompassing water infrastructure improvements, sanitation expansion, and climate-resilient systems is vital for mitigating these public health threats. Integrating public health education with infrastructural upgrades can foster sustainable health behaviours and improve environmental health outcomes in peri-urban populations like those in Kanyama.
Seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers is a complicated phenomenon that requires a practical framework to assess the constituents’ groundwater source. The current paper focuses on the processes influencing coastal groundwater in the southeastern region of Basrah, southern Iraq. Thirteen groundwater samples were subjected to comprehensive hydrogeochemical treatments, including hydrogeochemical analysis with Piper, Schoeller, and Gibbs plots, geochemical modeling, and statistical analysis supported by hierarchical cluster analysis. The results of the Piper plot indicated that the analyzed groundwater is characterized as Na-Cl (77%) and Ca-Mg-Cl (23%) and belongs to the order of Cl–>Na+>SO42–>Ca2+>Mg2+>HCO3– as identified by Schoeller results. Gibbs’ plot results indicated the processes of evaporation and seawater dominance. Saturation indices of minerals in groundwater revealed a slight supersaturation (SI>0) with calcite and dolomite, suggesting limited precipitation of carbonate minerals. In contrast, gypsum and anhydrite showed a slight undersaturation (SI<0), indicating minimal dissolution of evaporite minerals, while halite and sylvite minerals suggested a strong undersaturation (SI<0), reflecting that dissolution of salts is a common process in the coastal areas. Furthermore, cluster analysis demonstrated that the ionic content of groundwater was significantly affected by seawater, evaporation processes, and minimal sedimentation of carbonate minerals. These techniques are recommended for controlling the groundwater extraction within the study area.
This study presents a comparative analysis of water temperatures from the Jadro and Ombla springs, two of the largest karst springs in the Dinaric Karst region of Croatia, situated 162.7 km apart. Both analyzed springs fall into the category of highly karstified systems. The analysis encompasses data recorded hourly from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2021. During this period, comprehensive datasets of hourly water temperatures were available for both springs. The study examined four temporal scales: annual, monthly, daily, and hourly. Results revealed both similarities and distinctions in water temperature behavior within the coastal Dinaric Karst region. At Jadro and Ombla, the average annual water temperatures were 12.895ºC and 12.875ºC, respectively. The air temperature significantly influences the variations in water temperatures at both springs. At Jadro, the upward temperature trend was statistically insignificant, while at Ombla, the downward trend was similarly insignificant. The temperature range at Jadro (2.0°C) was significantly smaller than that at Ombla (3.4°C). From December to April, Jadro exhibited higher average monthly water temperatures than Ombla, while from June to September, temperatures at Jadro were lower than those at Ombla. The water temperatures at both springs were nearly identical during May, October, and November. The differences in water temperature ranges between the two springs are primarily shaped by the location, size, and natural characteristics of their catchments, including surface terrain, geological structure, hydrogeological properties, and the relative position of the water table to the ground surface.
