Evaluation of Groundwater Suitability for Drinking, Irrigation, and Industrial Purposes (Case Study: Yazd-Ardakan Aquifer, Yazd Province, Iran)

Water quality is an important factor in determining groundwater uses. An effort has been made to determine the groundwater quality of the Yazd-Ardakan aquifer. This research was conducted to fill the research gap in aquifer quality in the study area and make a comprehensive evaluation of the study aquifer using different water quality indices. The results can be used for decision-makers better to understand the water quality situation in the area.

In order to carry out this study, the Ryznar Stability Index (RSI), Langelier saturation index (LSI), Larson–Skold index (LS), and Puckorius scaling index (PSI) were considered to determine groundwater quality for industrial use. Also, the drinking water quality index (WQI) and FAO water quality index (FWQI); and irrigation water quality index (IWQI) were employed to categorize water suitability for drinking and irrigation uses. Finally, the spatial distribution of water quality parameters was assessed.

This study showed that the study aquifer is less corrosive based on PSI, significant, and heavy corrosive, according to LI. Also, results of the aquifer classification based on WQI indicated that about 45% of the aquifer is categorized as poor, very poor, and undesirable for drinking purposes. Finally, IWQI showed that %2.8 of the aquifer is categorized as “non-restriction” class and %4.1 as a “severe restriction” class for irrigation.

Therefore, it could be concluded that Yazd-Ardakan aquifer water quality is exacerbating. Consequently, the water quality and water treatments should be taken into account to mitigate the exacerbating trend of the Yazd-Ardakan aquifer.