Evaluation of the Ground Water in Baghdad Governorate / Iraq

Abstract

The coverage area of Baghdad Governorate area is considered as a part of the
Mesopotamia plain, which belongs to the unstable shelf. This area is totally covered
by quaternary sediments. The sediments are composed mainly by cyclic alteration of
clay, silt, sand and very fine gravels. Quaternary sediments represent the main
aquifer for all parts of Baghdad governorate.
Arc GIS 9.3 and GMS 6.5 programs were used in drawing high accurate
estimating maps, to define salinity, type of the ground waters, the general direction
of their movement, the distribution values of transmissivity of upper aquifer, with
distribution and the amount of draw down for these wells, also drawing map for the
ground waters depth zones.
It can be concluded that the salinity of the ground water in Baghdad Governorate
ranges between (fresh water – Brine water) in general, with the predominance of
chloridic water type and the presence of sulphatic water type in other places. The
direction of the ground water movement is mainly from the west towards the east
and north and southeast, with the presence of local movements other directions. The
transmissivity coefficient ranges between (50 – 350) m2 / day in general, but these
values decrease toward the east, especially east of the Tigris River as indicated by
the level of draw down in the wells, which ranges between (2 – 10) m. The results
reflect that the ground water depth in Baghdad Governorate ranges between (2 – 50)
m depending on the distance from the river and irrigation channels, which are
considered as sources of water recharge to the ground water.