Experimental Investigation about the Effect of Sand Storage Dams on Water Quality

Abstract

Water resource availability in arid regions depends on the characteristics of shortage and periodicity of rainfall which determine run-off during only short periods of the year. Water use is limited by lack of financial resources, suitable technology, and physical conditions. The challenge comes from the limited precipitation and spatially distributed, with poorly available ground water supply. These problems, with large evaporation, make rainfall agriculture a risky enterprise and impede the formation of perennial streams capable of satisfying environment and population’s requirements. The sand storage dam technique is used to reduce the evaporation effect. Many tests like (Electrical conductivity, Ec, Total dissolved solids, TDS, sodium chloride, NaCl , magnesium, Mg , calcium, Ca , bicarbonates, Hco3 , potassium, K , sodium, Na) are achieved to check the quality of water storage. Comparisons between raw water and water storage in the sand dam are made to determine the differences among above parameters. The present study shows, there is a significant improving water quality, with increasing the number of rainfall storms. Also, there is a good chance to use sand storage dam in the arid region because decrease the evaporation losses and good storage capacity.