Hydrochemical Assessment and Water Quality Index (WQI) Evaluation of Groundwater in Hawija District, Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq

Hayfaa M. Atawy; Rafah J. Kadhim

Authors

Hayfaa M. Atawy Department of chemistry, college of science, Tikrit Unversity, Tikrit , Iraq
Rafah J. Kadhim Department of chemistry, college of science, Tikrit Unversity, Tikrit , Iraq

Keywords:

Groundwater, water quality index, Hydrochemical, Hawija

Abstract

Groundwater plays a significant role in fulfilling drinking water demands and human activities in most regions, especially in cities and villages where there is shortage of surface water.

The purpose of this study is the assessment of chemical and physical characteristics of ten samples of groundwater in the Hawija district of Kirkuk Governorate in January 2025. The results were compared to World Health Organization (WHO) standards and Iraqi specifications.

Several variables were quantified, such as pH, electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, turbidity, and major ions (chloride, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium). A water quality index was also estimated to determine how well the water can be consumed by humans.

The findings revealed that the majority of the measured properties were within acceptable ranges, and some samples were above the standard ranges. This brought about high water quality index of 51-250. The quality of water was between good and very poor, according to the classification, and some of the wells could not be used to drink water as the percentage of dissolved salts was too high.

In this paper, the researcher points out the importance of periodically tracking the groundwater in the area and use of suitable treatment methods before it is used as drinking water. It also points out the potential to divert the water to agricultural and industrial use in the event that it goes beyond the acceptable health limits.

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