QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER USING WATER QUALITY INDEX IN AND AROUND KIRKUK CITY, IRAQ

Using the Water Quality Index (WQI) technique, the water quality of Kirkuk city wells was assessed. The Water Quality Index provides a single number that expresses total water quality at a specific location and time based on numerous water quality parameters. The goal of the Index is to convert complex water quality data into information that is understandable and usable by the public. Sixteen important parameters like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, turbidity (Tur), calcium (Ca+2), magnesium (Mg+2), sodium (Na+), Potassium (k(+)) Sulfate (SO4-2), Nitrite (NO3-), Chloride (Cl--(1)), Phosphate (PO4-3), Total Coliform (TC), Total Platelet Count (TPC) and Escherichia coli (E.coli) were taken for a WQI account. The results of the drinking water quality index showed that 68% of the common extraction wells were rated as excellent, 23% good and 9% poor for drinking purposes. The high value of some parameters such as EC, hardness and contaminated bacteria was due to various human activities. It is suggested that the continuous monitoring of the barrier is for proper management. The WQI application is also suggested as a useful tool in assessing groundwater quality in Iraq.