Hydrological Characteristics and Their Relationship to Sustainable Development: An Analytical Study of Water Resource Sustainability in Wasit District (Al-Dujaili(

Abstract

This study examines the hydrological characteristics and their relationship to the sustainable development of water resources in Wasit (Al-Dujaili) District, Wasit Governorate, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and quantitative statistical analysis. The results indicate the dominance of floodplain deposits and clayey soils, leading to poor natural drainage, increased salinity, and waterlogging. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) analysis shows that medium elevation classes (11–14 m) cover about 62.5% of the study area, reflecting the flat nature of the alluvial plain. Slope analysis reveals that classes ranging from 0–1.9° account for 44.8% of the area, while slopes of 2–7.9° represent 48.5%, supporting gravity irrigation but limiting natural drainage. NDVI analysis from Sentinel-2 imagery (2024) demonstrates spatial variations in vegetation density related to surface water availability, especially near the Dujaili River. The study recommends improving irrigation and drainage systems, adopting modern irrigation methods, and implementing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to achieve sustainable water resource management under arid climatic conditions.