Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Quality of the Alana River Basin Northeast of Erbil City

The water quality assessment of the Alana River Basin is crucial for ensuring the safe use of surface and groundwater for drinking, industry, and agricultural purposes. This study assesses the water quality parameters in the basin through various sources, including surface and groundwater, by examining the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the water while considering factors that influence them. Fifteen surface water and three groundwater samples were collected from the Alana River extending to the confluence of the Bekhal, Balakian, and Khalifan Rivers during the dry season (October 2024). Total coliforms, thermotolerant bacteria, and E. coli were evaluated as microbiological parameters. The results of this study show that all surface and groundwater samples conformed to the acceptable limits for drinking set by comparison with WHO and IQS, based on chemical and physical criteria. Additionally, the suitability of water based on average Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)- 237.7mg/L for surface water and 247.3mg/L for groundwater samples, along with the average Total Hardness (T.H.) of 263.6mg/L and 261.9mg/L for surface and groundwater, respectively, suggested that water samples can be classified as harsh freshwater. Surface water and groundwater are classified as Ca-bicarbonate according to Piper and Chadha diagrams. Microbiological indicators revealed that all surface and groundwater samples collected during dry seasons did not comply with WHO guidelines, hence proving their contamination. Consequently, the water in this basin is unfit for direct consumption and necessitates treatment before use.