Qanat, a technique appropriate for extracting water from hard rock terrains: the case study of Bilvar district, Kurdistan, Iran

摘要

The qanat system is one of the most balanced water recovery methods. The qanat has been a traditional method of water supply in Iran. In arid regions, qanats were invented to deal with water shortages, while, water supply were considered using springs and wells. Qanats have been effective for nearly 3000 years and are still being used as one of the main ways of procuring water for irrigation and agricultural activities. The current study aims to investigate qanats at the Kurdistan Province, Iran. The qanats were dug on a fault zone so that have formed the low rate but the permanent aquifers. Observations indicated this method is applicable for villages by maximum 1,000 persons' population. In addition, this system can meet the need of water in all seasons of the year.