Environmental Analysis of Water Resources Situation and Usage Pressures in Kalar City (2006-2023)

Abstract

This study provides an environmental analysis of the state of water resources and usage pressures in Kalar City during the period (2006–2023). With the expansion of the urban area and the growth of human activities, the demand for water has increased significantly, placing immense pressure on the city's limited surface and groundwater resources. The study highlights how inefficient water usage across agricultural, industrial, and residential sectors has disrupted the environmental balance, particularly during the summer season when demand peaks. The findings indicate that persistent pressures pose a real threat to the sustainability and quality of water resources. Therefore, the study proposes a strategic environmental plan to rationalize water usage, such as adopting new technologies for monitoring and metering, raising community awareness, and investing in water infrastructure through the construction of dams and the improvement of distribution networks to minimize wastage. Finally, the study emphasizes the need for new policies to regulate water consumption across various sectors to ensure water security and maintain ecological balance for future generations. Kalar is a city located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and has the largest jurisdictions in the region. Located in the southeastern part of the region. It is expected to increase the area of ​​Kalar to 20.30 square kilometers by 2024 (Hussein, 2025). The administrative unity of Kafri district from the west, Khanaqin district from the southeast, and Darbandkhan district from the northeast. Kalar is 145 kilometers from Sulaimaniyah, 170 kilometers from Baquba, 175 kilometers from Kirkuk, and 34 kilometers from the international border (Bruizkhan). Kalar is located between 34.36 and 34.39 degrees north and 45.17 and 45.22 degrees east.