Evaluation of Water Quality of Hemren Lake

Abstract

In this study Water Quality Index (WQI) was applied in Hemren Lake, Diyala province, Iraq using ten water quality parameters (pH, Electrical Conductivity, Hardness, Total Dissolve Soluble, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Chloride, Phosphate) from 2008 to 2010 to evaluate the suitability of Hemren Lake ecosystem for drinking and irrigation uses. The Weighted Arithmetic Index method (WAM) and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index methodology (The CWQI 1.0 model) were used to calculate the water quality index (W.Q.I). The results indicated that drinking water quality of Hemren Lake is good and marginal for the study period according to (WAM) and (CCME) respectively, while the irrigation water quality is good and according to (WAM) and (CCME). It is suggested that monitoring of the lake is necessary for proper management. Application of the WQI is also suggested as a very helpful tool that enables the public and decision makers to evaluate water quality of lakes in Iraq.