Quantifying Canadian Water Quality Index in Alhindya Barrage, Euphrates River

Abstract

Abstract Recently, water quantity is decreasing due to high temperatures in summer and reducing the water quotas of Euphrates River in Iraq from the neighboring countries. These factors may increase turbidity and concentration of elements in Euphrates River especially near Alhindya Barrage, Babylon Governorate, Iraq. Thus, Euphrates River may not be valid for drinking and irrigation purposes in upstream of Alhindya Barrage. The aim of this study was to investigate the water quality upstream of Alhindya Barrage, Euphrates River, using Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI). The comparison of water quality was investigated in the years of 2008 and 2009 according to data availability. Statistical analysis were performed on measured flowrates and indicated that there is a statistically significant difference between measured flowrates for 2008 and 2009. The results showed that the CWQI of 2008 was 94 which is good to excellent water quality, compared to CWQI of 79 for 2009. This was due to reduction in mean water quantity from 370m3/s of 2008 to 213m3/s of 2009. The global warming phenomenon is the main reason for dry seasons and low rainfall intensity and caused bad water quality.