Assessment Sources and Applications of Unconventional Water Originated from Salt Water, Brackish Surface and Groundwater in Mashhad Watershed

With increasing the population, the problem of water supply to meet human’s needs for production of food and industrial goods is considered a major obstacle in developing various regions and their communities. Significant increase in water requirement in various sectors of agriculture, drinking water and sanitation and lack of proper managing plan in this context resulted in uncontrolled exploitation of water resources. One of the most important sources of water supply which must be studied in managing water resources in the current situation, especially in areas with water limitation, is replacing water resources with lower quality water. In this study, the potential of using unconventional water resources originated from saltwater and brackish surface and groundwater was studied in Mashhad watershed, and other unconventional water resources were discussed briefly. The results showed that there are about 600 square kilometers of saltwater and brackish water in this plain. In surface water resources, Mahnesa river is only classified in brackish quality, and other rivers are grouped in low saline and non-saline quality. Finally, the most important applications of unconventional water are presented.