A comprehensive assessment of irrigation water quality in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Food security, recognized as a fundamental human right and a key component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, relies heavily on the availability and quality of agricultural inputs, particularly water. Evaluating the suitability of irrigation water for agricultural purposes is essential for ensuring sustainable food production. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of irrigation water quality in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, a strategically important agricultural region in Saudi Arabia. A total of 75 water samples were collected and analyzed for eleven physicochemical parameters using standardized methods. The analyzed parameters include pH and the concentration of calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen carbonate, nitrate, sulfate, and boron, commonly measured in water quality assessments. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated to evaluate overall suitability, while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify dominant factors influencing water quality. The results revealed an average WQI score of 44.14, classified as poor according to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) classification (WQI < 60), indicating that most samples fall below acceptable international standards for irrigation. The low WQI score suggests that the water sample may contain high levels of contaminants or have imbalances in key parameters, making it unsuitable for irrigation purposes without appropriate treatment or management. Elevated sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values further suggest potential soil salinity hazards. The findings offer valuable insights toward informed decision-making for improved water resource management, treatment, and continuous monitoring, thereby protecting public health and ensuring overall water quality for agricultural use in arid regions.