تقييم مؤشر استدامة المياه WSI في عين التمر كربلاء – العراق

Assessment of Water Sustainability Index WSI in Ain Al –Tamr -region/Karbala –Iraq

Abstract
The Ain Al-Tamr area, western part of Karbala Governorate, Iraq, relies almost entirely on groundwater due to the scarcity of seasonal rainfall. The region is known for its numerous natural springs and ancient wells, which make it a vital source of water and a significant historical and tourist site. However, increasing human pressures and climate change have led to a decline in spring discharge and heightened challenges in managing groundwater resources. Given the arid nature of the area and its low annual rainfall, water sustainability has become a critical issue that directly affects food security, economic growth, and the livelihoods of the local population.
This study aims to evaluate the current groundwater quality in Ain al-Tamr by applying two indices: the Brazilian Well Water Quality Index (BWQI) and the Canadian Water Sustainability Index (CWSI). The BWQI was calculated based on ten key parameters: pH, magnesium, chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, sulfate, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and bicarbonate. The results showed that groundwater quality ranged from 23.24 to 47.97 across ten wells, placing most samples within the “Severe Restriction (S.R.)” category. Exceptions were noted in wells H6 and another site, which showed relatively better classification. The findings indicate that irrigation using this groundwater should be restricted to salt-tolerant crops, with special care to maintain soil permeability and prevent salt accumulation. Soil quality improvement measures, such as the addition of gypsum, are recommended to enhance water infiltration and reduce salinity risks.
The Canadian Water Sustainability Index (CWSI) was also applied to provide an integrated assessment of water quality. The calculated CWSI value was 44.10, which classifies the water as unsustainable to weakly sustainable, reflecting the region’s overall vulnerability to water scarcity and quality degradation.
In conclusion, the results highlight the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management in Ain al-Tamr. The combination of BWQI and CWSI assessments provides strong evidence that current groundwater resources face severe limitations for both irrigation and drinking purposes. Immediate actions, including improved irrigation practices, soil treatment, and water resource planning, are essential to secure the long-term sustainability of water in the region