The Effect Of Lake Beseka Discharge On Irrigation Water Quality Of Awash River

Abstract

The Quality Of Water Deteriorates Due To Different Natural Event And Human Activity Is Major Challenge Of Irrigation. When The Quality Of Irrigation Water Is Not Safe, It Affect The Soil, Production As Well As The Entire Economy. In Ethiopia, Awash River Is The Main Irrigation Water Source For Mechanized Farms And Small Land Farmers Established In The Basin For The Last Few Decades. Even Awash River Serves As A Source Of Drinking Water, Hydropower, Industrial Consumption, Irrigation And Disposal Of Waste Water, A Major User And Consumer Of The Surface Water Is Irrigated Agriculture Through Numerous Private And Government Irrigation Farms And Small Holders Those Found In The Middle And Lower Awash. Recently Irrigation Activity Of Middle And Lower Awash Area Affect By Lake Beseka Water. Lake Beseka Is The Rift Valley Lake Which Expanding At An Astounding Rate For The Last Four Decade. This Expansion Has A Significant Effect On The Surrounding And Downstream Area Including Irrigation Activities. This Study Was Conducted With The Primary Objective Of Assessing The Effect Of Lake Beseka Discharge On The Irrigation Water Quality Of Awash River. Nine Sample Sites Were Chosen To Make Representative In Respect To Irrigation Development; Additionally The Mix Of Lake Beseka And Awash River Water With Ratio Of 5:95, 10:90 And 15:85 Were Used To Determine The Mix Ratio Of Lake Beseka Water To Awash River. The Physicochemical Parameter Like Ph, Ec, Tds &Tss, Co3-, Hco3- , Cl -, Na+ And, K+ Compared With The Standard Of Fao. Result Showed That Ph, Ec, Alkalinity, Tds & Tss, Co3- & Hco3-, Chloride And Sodium Higher In Lake Beseka Than Awash River Water. The Sar Value Of Awash River Water Ranges 1.43 To 11.32, Which Has Low To Medium Hazard Level, Where As Sar Value Of Lake Beseka >50, Which Very High Hazard Level. From The Result Obtained, It Is Concluded That The Discharging Of Lake Beseka Water To wash River Water Has An Effect On Irrigation Water Quality As Well As Productivity Of Downstream. So Mix Ratio Of Lake Beseka Water To Awash River Water Should Be 5:95, When This Was Well Done The Physicochemical Parameter Of Awash River Goes To Fulfill Fao Standards For Irrigation Water Quality And To Build A Trust Among Upstream And Downstream Users .