Analysis of Water Harvesting Structures Sites Appropriateness Using GIS-Based Methodology: Diyala, Iraq, as a Case Study

Abstract

Water harvesting is an effective technology that may be used to collect unused runoff, therefore meeting various water needs and mitigating droughts. The study area is experiencing severe water lacks, so the goal of this research is to find ideal locations for structures of water harvesting through the use of a geographical information system-based multi-criteria analysis model that employs fuzzy logic with the analytical hierarchy process model. According to the hydrology and geomorphic criteria of the research area, a suitability map for water harvesting was constructed, and 17 and 12 sites suitable for check dams and farm ponds, respectively, were suggested in the regions with high and very high classes. Thus, this study’s findings underline the significance of geospatial modeling in planning water facilities and addressing the water shortage issue in the study region.