Geographical analysis of drinking water services and their development potential in Dhi Qar Governorate

Abstract

   Access to clean and potable drinking water is among the most important infrastructure services for achieving development. It is a key indicator for measuring societal development and determining whether a society is progressing on the path of development and progress. This research analyzes the geographical reality of drinking water services in Dhi Qar Governorate and their potential for development, examining the spatial distribution of drinking water production plants, their actual production capacity, and their adequacy to meet the growing demand for potable water in the governorate's districts. It also compares these conditions with Iraqi planning standards for drinking water. Moreover, the research identifies the challenges facing the achievement of sustainable development in this vital sector, such as water scarcity, population growth and urban expansion, inadequate maintenance and funding, high rates of water loss, and poor water quality in most areas of the governorate, along with a clear gap between supply and demand. The research proposes a set of strategies to improve drinking water services in Dhi Qar, including expanding the construction of new water purification projects, rehabilitating outdated networks, adopting modern treatment technologies, and strengthening integrated water resources management. Developing and sustaining drinking water services in Dhi Qar Governorate is a necessity. Urgent development is needed to achieve spatial justice and improve the quality of life. This requires a comprehensive development strategy based on accurate geographical analysis to ensure the sustainability of water resources and the efficiency of their future distribution. This research adopted a descriptive and analytical approach and official statistical data to reveal the reality of drinking water services and the spatial variations in the size of the supply, production, and service level among the administrative units of the governorate. The research reached several conclusions, the most important of which is that Dhi Qar Governorate suffers from a significant deficit in clean drinking water services, poor quality of service, and deteriorating service standards. The main challenges arise from reliance on unsustainable drinking water sources, such as purchasing RO water. The researcher hopes that these findings and proposals will contribute to achieving sustainability in the drinking water services sector, which will, in turn, reflect positively on the development of Dhi Qar Governorate and raise its overall development indicators.