Mitigation of waterlogging problem in El-Salhiya area, Egypt

Abstract

The waterlogging problem was observed in El-Salhiya area, East Delta, Egypt, as a result of the rising water table in locations north of El-Salhiya canal and surrounding El-Heseneya canal. Therefore, the objectives are determining the causes of waterlogging depending on water quality and to mitigate the problem using the mathematical model. Results of water quality for surface and groundwater samples indicated that the waterlogging is mainly due to leakage of surface water from canals and drainage systems in the study area. The results of MODFLOW and MODPATH models approved that the problem was coming from the infiltration of water from the Ismailia canal and the irrigation network, in addition to excess irrigation water. Therefore, the main causes of the waterlogging problem grouped into two categories, natural and artificial. MODFLOW results showed that cutting drains with 2.5 m depth is the most effective method to mitigate the waterlogging problem.