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WATER SOURCES FOR IRRIGATION, THEIR HYDROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT,
AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
Eshmanov Husniddin Narzulla ugli
Bukhara State Technical University
Abstract:
This article addresses the types of water sources used for irrigation in agriculture, the
hydrological status of these sources, issues related to water quality, quantity, and distribution. It
also discusses ways to ensure the environmental safety of water sources, their protection from
pollution, ecological monitoring, and sustainable management systems. Evaluations are provided
based on the current state of river, groundwater, and reservoir sources, and their long-term
effective and safe use directions are substantiated.
KEYWORDS:
irrigation system, water sources, hydrological assessment, environmental safety,
groundwater, river resources, water quality, reservoirs, agriculture, sustainable management
INTRODUCTION
Irrigation in agriculture is one of the most crucial factors determining productivity. The types of
water sources used for irrigation (river, canal, artesian wells, reservoirs, and groundwater) vary
depending on the region’s natural-climatic, hydrological, and ecological conditions. In times of
increasing water scarcity, scientifically analyzing these sources, evaluating their hydrological
status, and ensuring their environmental safety becomes an urgent task.
In many irrigated areas, water use patterns, source sustainability, and water quality directly affect
crop yields and soil fertility. Therefore, the management system of water sources must be
thoroughly planned not only technically but also ecologically and socially. This article discusses
the hydrological characteristics of water sources in Uzbekistan, their environmental safety, and
long-term use prospects.
METHODOLOGY
This study used the following scientific-methodological approaches:
1.
Hydrological analysis method
– Data on water discharge, levels, and flow rates of
major rivers such as the Amu Darya, Syr Darya, Zarafshan, and others from 2000–2024 were
analyzed using information from the Uzbekistan Hydrometeorology Service.
2.
Ecological monitoring data
– Pollution levels (nitrates, pesticides, oil products) in water
samples from irrigation networks were assessed based on laboratory results from the Committee
for Ecology and Environmental Protection.
3.
Surveys and expert interviews
– Discussions with agricultural specialists, land
reclamation experts, and water managers identified the current status of water sources and usage
issues.
4.
Comparative analysis
– Different water source types (river, groundwater, reservoirs)
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were compared based on criteria of efficiency and safety (water quality, supply stability, usage
costs, and ecological sustainability).
RESULTS
1.
Hydrological status of river waters
– Over the past 20 years, the average annual flow of
the Amu Darya and Syr Darya has decreased by 10–15%, mainly due to climate change, glacier
melt, and uncoordinated transboundary usage.
2.
Groundwater scarcity and salinization
– Artesian water levels have been dropping by
5–10 meters annually in some areas, increasing the costs of pumping. In certain regions,
salinized water mixing has been observed.
3.
Environmental safety status
– 35% of agricultural water samples showed nitrate (NO₃⁻)
levels above the norm. Additionally, phytoplankton proliferation was observed near reservoirs,
indicating the onset of eutrophication.
4.
Water source management issues
– In many irrigation systems, losses due to filtration
and evaporation reach 30–40%, attributed to outdated infrastructure and insufficient water-
saving technology.
5.
Positive experiences
– In Namangan, Andijan, and Qashqadaryo regions, drip irrigation
reduced water consumption by 40–50% and increased yields by 15–20%.
DISCUSSION
The main irrigation water sources in Uzbekistan are the Amu Darya, Syr Darya, Zarafshan, and
Chirchik rivers. The hydrological status of these sources is becoming increasingly variable due
to seasonal water shortages, declining river levels, and climate change. Hydrological assessment
considers source volume, average annual flow, glacier dependence, evaporation rates, and
anthropogenic pressures.
Groundwater is also an important irrigation source. However, its overuse—especially of artesian
waters—reduces pressure, leading to soil salinization, compaction, and ecological disturbance of
groundwater. Therefore, hydogeological monitoring of each water source must be implemented.
Reservoirs (e.g., Tuyamuyun, Chorvoq, Andijan) play a key role in water collection, regulation,
and distribution, but mismanagement can compromise their environmental safety. When water is
stored for prolonged periods, its quality deteriorates, causing eutrophication and disrupting
aquatic ecosystems.
From an environmental safety standpoint, water sources must be kept clean, pollutant inflows
controlled, and natural (biofilters) and technological (treatment facilities) methods used. In
particular, the discharge of pesticides, mineral fertilizers, and industrial effluents into rivers
poses a serious threat to biological safety of water resources.
The analysis shows that choosing and managing irrigation water sources effectively is crucial for
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agricultural sustainability, land resource protection from degradation, and the health of the entire
ecosystem.
CONCLUSION
The research indicates that the effective operation of irrigation systems directly depends on the
quality and sustainability of water sources. In Uzbekistan, rivers, groundwater, and reservoirs
serve as main irrigation resources. However, due to climate change, population growth,
mismanaged water policies, and environmental factors, these sources are under stress.
Ecological monitoring data show water resource pollution, posing risks to agricultural product
quality, soil health, and human health. Therefore, transitioning to sustainable water resource
management based on hydrological assessments and implementing modern technologies (drip
irrigation, laser land leveling, automated monitoring systems) is essential.
Adherence to environmental safety requirements, rational water use, and public environmental
education are of utmost importance in addressing this issue.
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