Simulation of surface and groundwater Interaction in Diwaniya city/ southern Iraq

Authors

  • Husam H. Alwan, Saad H. Hadi

Abstract

Al-Diwaniya City, located 180 km south of Baghdad Governorate, suffers from high levels of
groundwater in recent years. The rise of the groundwater level causes some problems because it contains
chemical compounds that effect on the foundations of buildings. Also, the water flow causes corrosion soil
under or around the foundations. The aim of this paper is to establish a MODFLOW groundwater-modelling
program (GMS) for simulating the flow of groundwater and calculating the amount of water exchanged
between Shatt Al-Diwaniya and groundwater. For achieving this study, 12 observation boreholes distributed
in Al-Diwaniya city were drilled in a way that guarantees to give a complete conception of the groundwater
levels in the city. Water levels observed for the period (October 2019 to April 2020). Using the Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) program, maps and data were prepared to create a three-dimensional conceptual
model. The model was calibrated with the permitted accuracy, hydraulic conductivity ranging from (0.88 -
15) m/day was obtained, and recharge is about (15.76) mm/year. The model later showed that the amount of
groundwater flowing towards Shatt al-Diwaniya is estimated (1942.16) m3
/day. Five scenarios were
generated in the region included Recharge reduction of (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, in addition to the
proposal to use a covered drain in Al-Jameih district). The results showed that Shatt al-Diwaniya does not
feed shallow groundwater in the city, but it works as a drain within the city to discharge groundwater. The
main factor for groundwater regeneration is sewage leakage and rainfall.

Published

2020-02-28

Issue

Section

Articles