Hydrological Analysis of the Al-Mishrah Regulator and its Impact on the Efficiency of Water Resources Management

Abstract

The research aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the hydrological characteristics of the Al-Musharah Regulator, and evaluate its role and impact on the efficiency of water resources management in Maysan Governorate during the period extending from 2004 to 2025. The analysis focuses primarily on the water discharge rates at annual, seasonal, and monthly levels for the Al-Musharah River at the regulator's site. This focus is intended to understand the nature of water variations and identify the underlying factors that cause and influence them. The hydrological results for the regulator showed significant fluctuation in the annual water discharge over the study years. The highest discharge rate was recorded in the water year (2004-2005), which is mainly attributed to an administrative decision to open the regulator to ensure sufficient water flow towards the Hawizeh Marsh with the aim of preserving the ecological balance and reviving the marsh. Conversely, the lowest discharge rate was recorded in the water year (2008-2009). This sharp decrease is attributed to a combination of factors, most notably severe drought waves, increasing climate change, in addition to the poor efficiency of local water resources management in the governorate. The research emphasizes that an accurate understanding of the hydrological characteristics of the Al-Musharah Regulator is necessary and crucial for planning and managing future water projects in the governorate. It also contributes to effective prediction of floods or drought waves and is considered the cornerstone in preserving the ecological balance. It should be noted that the variation in water discharge rates is also affected by the activities of riparian countries along the Tigris River, which adds a complex regional dimension to water management.