The population growth, the development of agricultural and industrial sectors, along with the draughtiness, have intensified the exploitation of groundwater from aquifers, which causes many problems worldwide, especially in Middle East region. Since the sustainable development, public health and the security of nations, especially in arid and semi-arid areas including Iran, depend on the amount of accessible fresh water, it is very necessary to examine the severity of the crisis and the security of aquifers. Groundwater resources in aquifers with a volume of about 60 times greater than surface water resources (rivers and lakes) are among the most valuable national resources, which, in addition to supplying water needed in agriculture and industry, provides significant part of water needs for drinking and health. In this article, while examining Iran\\\'s water situation in comparison with the countries of the region in terms of the percentage of dependence on groundwater resources [1, 2], the severity of the crisis of the Mashhad aquifer was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative indices. Finally, solutions to reduce water stress has been provided.

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