Methodological comparison by GIS and Remote Sensing between DRASTIC and SINTACS models reliability for assessing aquifer vulnerability

The in force Italian regulations concerning water resources protection from pollution (D.lgs.152/99 and 258/2000) assign to regional authorities the task to classify the territory defining the zones towards agricultural pollutants such as nitrates and pesticides. This paper deals with a comparative analysis of two parametric models, namely DRASTIC and SINTACS. The comparison has demonstrated that the latter model describes more precisely the degree of intrinsic groundwater vulnerability, particularly in areas characterized by fractured aquifer. The outcomes of such a comparative methodology is aimed to provide useful indications and/or suggestions to local planners or decision makers involved in the management of environmental problems concerning the protection of both surface and ground water. The two models have been validated in a study area located in Puglia, a Southern Italy Region characterized by carbonatic, fractured and carsick outcrop. In such an area agricultural activities, mainly because of uncontrolled use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, are causing the progressive worsening of groundwater quality in most of the territory.