Integration of Water Quality Index (WQI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Assess Springs Water Quality in the El Hajeb-Meknes Area, Morocco

The present research is focused on the evaluation of springs water suitability for human consumption based on water quality parameters. Because of the rising level of human activity, pollutants, especially trace elements, are entering the aquatic system, posing harm to humans. The objectives of this study is: (i) to analyse the water quality variables, (ii) to compare their impact on water quality status of natural springs, and (iii) to display the Water Quality Index (WQI) results using Geographical Information System (GIS). The concentrations of water variables for investigated springs were analyzed adopting the Rodier standard method in the field using Multiparameter and in lab using a visible spectrophotometer and ICP-MS (ICPE-9000).The measured physico-chemical parameters were analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA). A total of 24 water samples were taken from 12 springs to evaluate their suitability for human consumption. From the analysis of principal components (PCA), 73.87%. The variation was explained by the first three main factors. The variables pH, TDS, HCO₃⁻, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Zn showed a strong correlation with F1. Following this, NO₃⁻, Pb, Mn and Cu showed a strong correlation with F2, while SO₄⁻, CO, B, Ni and Cr showed a notable correlation with F3. The water quality index (WQI) was ranged from 49.66 to 95.10, averaging 76.52. About 17% of water samples were classified as excellent quality (WQI < 50), while the remaining 83% fell under the classification of good quality (50 < WQI < 100). This suggests that all the natural spring waters examined are suitable for human consumption.