Geographical Information System (GIS) was employed to produce layers represent the nature of the spatial distribution of the physical and chemical parameters of Al-Kufa river because of its important in Najaf province.
Water samples from seven different stations along Al-Kufa river for twelve months from July-2013to June-2014 were collected. Thirteen water quality parameters were analyzed including total hardness(TH), turbidity (Turb.), temperature (Temp.), (pH), electrical conductivity (Ec), total dissolved solids (TDS), alklinity (Alk.), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca+2), sodium(Na+), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), magnesium (Mg+2) and potassium (K+).
Data analysis showed that the water quality parameters of Al-Kufa river exceeded the Iraqi standards for drinking water, No.417, 2001 except (pH, Alk, Mg+2 and Cl-) that were compatible with the drinking water standards. For irrigation purposes the results showed that the water of Al-Kufa river was compatible with FAO (1997) standards except (TH) which showed an increase in the levels than the maximum allowable levels for irrigation standards. Based on (SAR) classification, the results indicated that there is no harmful effects from sodium on plants. According to Maas (1972) standards the results showed that the water of the river was unacceptable for food and plastic industries. The results of the tests have been linked with (GIS) software to produce layers of these parameters and to show the pollution in the river.
Key words: Al-Kufa River, Water Quality, Spatial Distribution Mapping, GIS.