Kurdistan, Iraq – Groundwater is considered a vital lifeline for meeting human, industrial, and agricultural needs. Due to the growing challenges of sourcing water from surface reservoirs and the adverse effects of climate change on traditional water sources, as well as the clashes among countries sharing river waters, resorting to groundwater has become an inevitable necessity. Even though Iraq is historically classified as a water-rich nation, a noticeable decline has occurred in the flow rates of key rivers such as the Tigris and Euphrates. The same trend applies to other rivers flowing through the Kurdistan region of Iraq, such as the Upper Zab and Lower Zab.
Erbil Governorate, the largest city in the Kurdistan region, faces a severe crisis in providing water for multiple uses, especially as the noticeable increase in the number of residents in the governorate has led to exceptional consumption levels. Information from relevant authorities in the governorate indicates that approximately 60% of water sources allocated for human use depend on around 6,000 wells drilled in various areas of the governorate. Managing well’s production rates and consumption rates poses a serious challenge to the concerned authorities, requiring them to implement operational management that is not devoid of difficulties, particularly when accompanied by a lack of consumer awareness. This lack of awareness affects the efficiency of pumping and distribution methods.
Addressing the presented issue necessitates researchers conducting studies to assess the performance and productivity of wells dedicated to water supply, especially in terms of quantitative capacity. The research should rely on advanced hydrogeological surveys followed by precise hydraulic analysis, encompassing a comprehensive examination of the variables governing flow within both confined and unconfined aquifers, with a particular focus on permeability coefficients and transmissivity.
The study should consider the following:
A: Groundwater Investigation
- Data on Current and Future Water Consumption: This needs to determine the size of current and future water consumption, considering population growth and consumption rates adhering to international standards.
- Detailed Surveys of Well Sites in Erbil: A meticulous examination of wells sites across the city of Erbil will provide crucial operational and production data necessary for creating effective water supply strategies.
- Examination of Geological and Hydraulic Formations: The relevant study will collect and analyze data about the geological and hydraulic formations of the wells, offering insights into their sustainability and efficiency.
- Hydraulic Analysis Using Computer Applications: The use of software applications is essential to conduct comprehensive hydraulic analyses, shedding light on well performance and their response to anticipated recharge resulting from rainfall and surface runoff.
Kurdistan’s water future hangs in the balance, and the success of the studies may hold the key to securing a sustainable water supply for Erbil and the wider region. As groundwater emerges as a lifeline, thorough scientific investigation becomes imperative in addressing the water challenges of today and tomorrow.
B: Dams Construction:
The construction of dams can significantly affect the charging of stored groundwater in Erbil and its surrounding areas. This can be explained according to the following:
- Changing the flow of surface water: Dams are usually built on rivers or streams to store water for various purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. When a dam is built upstream, it changes the natural flow of the river. This could reduce the amount of surface water reaching downstream areas, including Erbil. As a result, there may be less water available to recharge the region’s aquifers.
- Floodplain Inundation: Dams often create reservoirs that submerge large areas of land, including floodplains. Floodplains are areas that naturally recharge groundwater because they allow rainwater to seep into the ground. When a dam disrupts these floodplains, the natural recharge process can be hindered, resulting in reduced groundwater replenishment.
- Reservoir leakage: Water stored in reservoirs behind dams can seep into the surrounding soil and rock. This seepage can contribute to groundwater recharge in some cases, depending on geological conditions. However, it can also lead to increased evaporation losses, reducing the overall effectiveness of the reservoir in recharging groundwater.
- Interaction between groundwater and surface water: Dams can change the interaction between groundwater and surface water. In some cases, trapped water may increase hydraulic pressure in underlying aquifers, causing groundwater to rise near the surface. This could lead to localized increases in groundwater recharge.
- Water release policies: Managing water release from dams plays a crucial role. Controlled releases can mimic natural flow patterns, which may support groundwater recharge. However, if water is released irregularly or in excessive quantities, it may lead to erosion and sedimentation, which may affect the recharge of aquifers.
- Salinity intrusion: In coastal areas, the construction of dams can affect the intrusion of salt water into fresh aquifers. If dams change the balance between saltwater and freshwater in estuaries or coastal aquifers, this could affect groundwater quality in those areas.
In conclusion, the construction of dams in Erbil and its surrounding areas can have both positive and negative impacts on groundwater recharge. This depends on several factors, including the specific design of the dam, water management practices, geological conditions, and the local hydrological cycle. Proper planning and management of dams are essential to minimize negative impacts on groundwater resources and ensure sustainable water use in the region.