Seasonal Assessment of Surface Water Quality in Oued Dradère Using the Water Quality Index

Abstract

Surface water quality is a vital indicator of environmental health, especially in northwest Morocco. This study evaluates seasonal variations in the surface water quality of the Oued Dradère using the Water Quality Index (WQI). The parameters included pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, nitrates, ammonium, sulfates, phosphates, and BOD₅, which were analyzed at three stations during the humid and dry seasons. The results of WQI values ranged from 66.51 to 158.30, classifying water from fair to unsuitable based on station and season, station 1 exhibited fair quality (WQI: 66.51) during the dry season, suitable for irrigation, station 2 recorded the poorest quality (WQI: 158.30), unsuitable for any use due to high pollutant levels, and station 3 maintained poor quality across seasons, only suitable for irrigation. The study emphasizes the need for improved water management strategies to reduce pollution, ensure sustainable water use, and protect public health in the region.