Abstract
Rainwater is extremely important for the arid regions of Tunisia for a better valorization of this water, the indigenous of these regions decided to build earthen cisterns (Majel and Fesquia) to collect rain water, to satisfy their needs and to have sufficient long-term water reserve in case of prolonged drought. Despite the difficulties faced to access the mountainous regions, a survey was conducted concerning all characteristics of earthen cisterns and their uses. 120 samples of water have been analyzed in the laboratory for their physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and microbiological quality parameters such as total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. It has been noted that the majority of people (62%) used rainwater as drinking water, for animal watering and as supplementary irrigation. In fact, physic-and chemical properties of, the rainwater samples collected are suitable for consumption according to WHO 2017 standards. However, the results of our microbiological indicator analyses suggested that rainwater stored in Majel and Fesquia are not suitable for human consumption without any treatment. Rainwater can be considered as potential source for non-potable uses, such as irrigation. The samples collected were categorized as suitable with regard of SAR belonged to the excellent to good class.
Highlights
In the MENA regions, 15 of 19 countries are below or near the water scarcity level
Despite the difficulties to access to the villages, we explored a maximum of earthen cisterns
We have found that most of the cisterns are of ‘Majel’ type for about 82.5% and only 17.5% of cisterns are in the form ‘Fesquia’
Summary
In the MENA regions, 15 of 19 countries are below or near the water scarcity level. Nine countries have less than 250 m3 per capita per year, three others have 250-500 m3 [1]. Water is a very important material having vital importance for human and other organisms It is used for drinking, cleaning, domestic and agricultural purposes [5]. Throughout the history, people have preferred the sites around the sources, where it has been easy to access the water This issue allowed the local population to find water conservation techniques to meet growing needs such as the earthen cisterns for rain water harvesting known by the names "Majel" and "Fesquia". We are interested to study the different uses of water tanks to show the importance of this water to people to increase crop production and reduces the use of groundwater increasing its levels
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