Towards a dynamic index of water quality for a given site Case study of the Taanzoulte plain (Aguelmam Sidi Ali RAMSAR site), Draa Tafilalt region, Morocco

The present study aims to develop a dynamic model water quality index of a given site (DWQI-S). Based on the principal component analysis, the potential indicators were calculated. This model has been applied to determine the surface water quality of Taanzoult plain (Aguelmam Sidi Ali RAMSAR site), using physicochemical (13 parameters) and bacteriological analysis results (2 parameters), which are monitored of 7 stations during 12 months (January to December 2017). The compilation of the DWQI-S allowed assessing the quality of the waters in Taanzoult plain with precision compared to the empirical approach of the evaluation grid according to Moroccan standards. Water quality varies with the seasons and kind of use. It can be mainly considered good to medium for spring water of drink and medium to poor for surface water, flowing in the meadow, exclusively used for livestock watering. The strength of DWQI-S lies in its ability to integrate a reduced parameters number deemed relevant for the assessment of water quality in each particular case. It might, therefore, maximize accuracy in determining water quality at lower cost and permit to the regulation authorities the opportunity to maximize the cost-effectiveness of water pollution monitoring missions over time according to standards set.