Water Quality Investigation of Recent Wells Which Were Randomly Dug at the Left Side of Mosul City

Abstract

Groundwater is the second biggest source of freshwater of our planet, and it is the only resource that can be access to face the problem of stopping water supply during war and disaster periods. However, there are several challenges facing water quality, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where climate conditions, type of reservoir rock, geological setting and anthropogenic activities have a significant impact on the groundwater quality. In this work, 13 groundwater samples were taken to evaluate the water quality and investigate its suitability for various uses, such as drinking water, irrigation and household water supply at the left side of Mosul City. These samples were collected from the wells that were dug during the time of liberation the city from ISIS fighters. Attention was given on the examination of EC, TDS, pH, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+, SO 4 −2 , Cl−, NO3− and other water quality parameters, such as sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage and magnesium adsorption ratio, as well as heterotrophic bacteria and coliform bacteria. The results of factor analysis proved that the geochemical composition of groundwater is mainly controlled by chemical weathering of carbonate–sulfate minerals and the contamination by municipal activities in the city. The results of the assessment of groundwater proprieties for drinking and irrigation purposes will give for both decision makers and people good insights for managing the groundwater during crises at this part of Mosul City.