Monitoring of Some Physico-Chemical Parameters of Groundwater and Variations in Static and Pumping Levels of Wells of Badra and Zurbatiyah Districts of Iraq

Water scarcity is one of the most significant and escalating problems, receiving particular attention in arid and semi-arid regions.In recent years, efforts have been made to find solutions, methods, or alternatives to address this problem.This has increased demand for groundwater, resulting in increased drilling of wells, both planned and unplanned, without determining the quality and proper uses of this water.Twenty-one regular wells were identified, i.e., 7 in Zurbatiyah and 14 in Badra.Water samples were collected from the wells over four seasons, and the static and dynamic levels and productivity of the wells were calculated.Moreover, electrical conductivity, pH, total hardness, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and total suspended solids were also measured.The results showed that the static groundwater level in the wells of the Zurbatiyah region was lower than that in the Badra region.The static groundwater levels were shallower in the spring season compared to the autumn season at both study sites.Furthermore, the change in static levels between the two seasons for the same area was highest in Badra than in Zurbatiyah between the two seasons.Pumping groundwater levels, however, were at higher depths in Zurbatiyah than in Badra in both seasons.The difference between the static and pumping levels indicates that the value was greater at the Badra well site in the autumn season.The pH values of well water at all locations ranged from 7.42 to 7.31, and no significant differences were observed in pH values.Total suspended solids (TSS) results indicate significant differences between the two locations.TDS results indicate significant differences between the two locations and across seasons, with significant overlap between them.Total hardness values indicated significant variation between the two locations and across seasons, with significant overlap between them.EC results indicated significant differences between the two locations, across seasons, and with a significant overlap between them.The quality of well water is not suitable for human consumption unless it is treated.However, it is suitable for irrigating crops, except fruit crops, which are usually sensitive to salinity.It is also suitable for livestock drinking, except for some restrictions for poultry, particularly for some wells.