Assessing groundwater quality and suitability in Qatar: Strategic insights for sustainable water management and environmental protection

Groundwater resources in arid regions are crucial for water and food security and the maintenance of ecosystem services but face significant challenges from overexploitation and contamination, exacerbated by climate change. In Qatar, understanding the spatial variability of groundwater quality and its suitability for use remains limited. This study examines groundwater quality across the peninsula and evaluates its suitability for drinking and irrigation employing comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and water quality assessments. Twelve physicochemical parameters were analyzed to evaluate groundwater quality and determine the hydrogeochemical facies. Geospatial analysis was employed to visualize and quantify spatial correlations between groundwater salinity and geology, rainfall, distance to sea, land use, and abstraction and recharge activities. Suitability for use was assessed using the drinking water quality index (DWQI) and a novel integrated irrigation water quality index (IWQI), constructed upon seven standard indices. Results revealed predominantly high salinity in coastal and southern parts, suggesting extensive saltwater intrusion. Spatial correlations showed combined environmental and anthropogenic influences on groundwater salinity. Recharge efforts positively influenced groundwater quality, highlighting their effectiveness. The DWQI showed excellent to good drinking suitability over 1053.3 km² (9.1%) of the study area. The IWQI indicated high to very high irrigation suitability over 3611 km² (31.1%), concentrated in the north-central region. These findings highlight the critical importance of groundwater quality indicators for effective monitoring and underscore the need for integrated groundwater management strategies. This study offers practical guidance for local water resource managers, policymakers, and communities while also contributing to global climate adaptation strategies.