Assessment of dam water quality for irrigation in the northeast of catchment Cheliff-Zahrez, Central Algeria

The aim of the present study was to appraise surface water quality for irrigation purposes. This research work concerns seven dams’ water from higher and lower part of Cheliff agricultural area located in northeast to the larger catchment Cheliff-Zahrez, central Algeria. The following dams are investigated, namely Deurdeur, Ghrib, Harreza, Oued Fodda, Oued Mellouk, Sidi M’hamed Ben Taïba and Sidi Yakoub. Irrigation water quality evaluation was carried out by measuring and calculating physicochemical quality parameters monthly during three years: 2014, 2015 and 2016. For assessing the groundwater for irrigation suitability, parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, sodium adsorption ratio, pHc, adjusted sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, soluble sodium percentage, Kelly’s ratio, USSL, Wilcox’s diagram and permeability index suggest that the groundwater of the study area is moderately suitable for irrigation purposes. Based on USSL and Wilcox’s diagram, it falls under excellent to unsuitable category indicating low salinity and high sodium water, which can be used for irrigation in almost all types of soil with little danger of exchangeable sodium. The Pearson correlation coefficient rate revealed strong correlation between several parameters. The water of Sidi M’hamed Ben Taïba dam has the best appropriateness for irrigation purpose compared to the other dams. Its water may be used in irrigation without limitation.