Hydrochemical assessment for the suitability of drinking and irrigation use of surface water in Grouz Dam Basin, Northeast Algeria

Surface water quality is critical for regional and local community needs in Grouz Dam basin, NE Algeria. Subsequently, this research was assessed out to analyze the surface water suitability for drinking and irrigation and also aims to measure the degree of the hydrochemical implications to the sustainable control of water resources in this basin. Throughout this study, the aptness of surface waters for domestic use was assessed via evaluating the physicochemical levels with the recommended values for potable water settled by the WHO and water quality index. The values of the considered parameters are below the maximum tolerable limits for drinking except for Na⁺, NO₃²⁻, Fe, Cu, Al and turbidity. The suitability for irrigation was appraised using multiple agricultural water quality indicators like SAR, Na% and RSC. The ionic dominance in water changed into descending order of Na⁺  > Ca²⁺  > Mg²⁺  > K⁺ for cations and of Cl⁻ > (HCO₃⁻ + CO₃²⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > NO₃⁻ for anions and, in all waters, two facies were determined. The hydrochemical analysis divulges that weathering and dissolution additionally to the anthropogenic activity are the dominant hydrogeochemical processes governing and/ or influencing water chemistry in Grouz Dam Basin. The overall surface waters are good for irrigation use and presenting a low salinity hazard but unsuitable for drinking. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the surface water quality and to implement and formulate an integrated plan to control the level of anthropogenic occurring contamination. It is recommended to carry out a systematic water quality monitoring program and development of effective management practices for water resources utilization in order to their best protection and sustainable preservation in this region of Algeria.