RAINWATER HARVESTING USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) CASE STUDY: GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE

Abstract

The quality of the groundwater has worsened as a result of the present shortfall in the Gaza Strip's water budget. Salinity in the form of chloride ions reached above 1500 mg/liter. In most areas, the groundwater level dropped steadily until it was a few metres below sea level. The average annual precipitation in the Gaza Strip is 350 mm, resulting in a significant quantity of rainwater of 114 million cubic metres per year, of which only 45 million cubic metres naturally soak into the groundwater, while the remainder evaporates or runs into the sea. Rainwater harvesting is required to utilise water for agriculture and aquifer artificial replenishment. In addition to the arc-map software, the researcher utilised descriptive and analytical methods. This study included all types of rainwater harvesting (rainwater harvesting at the basin level, rainwater harvesting at the agricultural level, and rainwater harvesting from street rooftops). According to the study, the researcher used geographic information systems to determine the optimum locations for ponds to collect and filter rainfall. Rainwater harvesting in urban areas has become an important water resource that plays a key role in improving water resource management. Its potential income in the runoff is approximately 28 million cubic metres per year, with 22 million cubic metres coming from urban areas based solely on current land use. The study discovered that the study area is suitable for rainwater harvesting, as the majority of filtering ponds feed a large percentage of the underground reservoir. Rainwater harvesting contributes to the agricultural level, alleviating the water crisis for farmers as well as problems with aquifer salinity and power outages. The arc map software, in particular. Score 5 is concentrated in the north, particularly in Beit Lahiya, whereas degree 4 is spread throughout the North Governorate, Gaza Governorate, the Middle Governorate, and Khan Yunis Governorate. Rainwater harvesting basins will be monitored by municipalities.