An assessment of the suitability of Wadi Sarkhar watershed for the implementation of water harvesting projects, Wasit-Iraq

Abstract EN

Extreme climate conditions represent one of the main challenges in arid and semi-arid regions.

Water harvesting applications in various regions of the world have shown a tangible effect in reducing the impact of these climatic changes.

The study area is exposed to such circumstances over the years.

Wadi Sarkhar watershed-Wasit Governorate / Iraq, represents a transboundary watershed between Iraq and Iran, with an area estimated at 1134 square kilometers, and an elevation ranging between 1501 meters within the mountainous region in Iran and 14 meter in areas of drainage in the Hor Ash Shwaicha.

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used for watershed delineation and assessing the water balance elements.

The initial assessment of the suitability of the area for the establishment of water harvesting projects indicated its suitability to implement several forms of water harvesting systems, especially in the Iraqi part in terms of the slope that ranged between 0-2% in most of this part, as well as the quantity and the amount of rain reached 174.1 mm annually.

Floodwater and macro- catchments water harvesting Systems showed greater compatibility with the area conditions compared to Rainwater and Micro-catchment water harvesting systems.

Some Rainwater harvesting systems may be more preferable for implementation due to their low cost, ease of application at the individual level, with the advantage of combining the catchment area and the application area in the same place.