A New Integrated Approach to Groundwater Potential–Vulnerability Mapping Using AHP and DRASTIC

In semi-arid environments, groundwater serves as a key source of freshwater, especially where surface water is scarce and seasonal. The Halabja–Khwrmal area of northeast Iraq, exemplifies this dependency, where escalating demand and increasing contamination risks create challenges for sustainable groundwater management and necessitate a comprehensive management strategy. This study develops an integrated framework that combines groundwater potential mapping with intrinsic vulnerability assessment to provide a comprehensive evaluation of groundwater conditions in the area. Groundwater potential was performed through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), based on key environmental and hydrogeological factors, while groundwater vulnerability was evaluated using DRASTIC model. Independent validation using well discharge data demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy for the potential assessment, and a strong positive relationship was observed between vulnerability scores and nitrate concentrations. The two assessments were integrated to generate a groundwater Potential–Vulnerability (PV) map. The results indicate that high potential zones occupy a significant portion of the area, while low to moderate vulnerability is widespread. Integration identified zones suitable for groundwater development, as well as areas requiring protection. The PV map offers a structured approach for linking groundwater availability with susceptibility to contamination, and it provides practical guidance for sustainable groundwater planning in semi-arid settings.