Abstract: Transforming parametric concentrations into qualitative scores
irrespective of unit has made the Water Quality Index a comprehensive and easy
to use tool to the decision makers. As criteria of water quality vary with
purpose of use of the ground water, selection of water quality parameters,
involved in working out quality index for specific use, also differs. Use of
Ground Water Quality Index (GWQI) technique to assess irrigation water quality
is innovative in this study. Electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption
ratio (SAR), and residual sodium carbonate (RSC), judged as the three most
important parameters to determine irrigation quality of ground water, have been
used to work out GWQI in this study. Preparation of iso index maps using water
quality scores, derived through GWQI tool, vividly portray the irrigation water
quality status of the study area where most of the area fall under excellent
and good categories. The marked difference in water quality with respect to
season in some areas of southeastern and southwestern parts of the study area
may be correlatable to the recharge and discharge zones of ground water respectively.
Keywords: Water quality parameters, ground water quality index (GWQI), iso index maps, recharge zone, discharge zone
