Evaluation of the groundwater quality in Yazdekan Plain

Unhealthy and low-quality water resources, by affecting human health, may lead to many acute and chronic diseases. Therefore, water resources management, especially groundwater, which is one of the main sources of water used in cities and villages, is very important. In the present study, groundwater quality data of Yazdekan plain were collected and analyzed to investigate the existing situation of the groundwater for the last two decade (2001-2021). For this purpose, graphical methods (Piper, Schuler, Durov and Stiff diagrams and anionic / cationic time series) and some of qualitative evaluation indices (permeability and Kelly indices, SAR and Magnesium Hazard, sodium percentage and sodium carbonate residue) were used. According to the results, the water type of the Yazdekan Plain groundwater, evaluated magnesium bicarbonate and according to the TDS amount, was evaluated as unsuitable for drinking. Based on the Piper diagram, high salinity was observed. According to Schuler's diagram, this aquifer is classified as "unsuitable for drinking". The values of the indices were calculated as PI:48.1, KI:0.5, MH:77.7, SAR:492×10-3, Na%:28.6 and RSC:3, which indicate the high risk of magnesium and sodium carbonate residue, but in terms of permeability, potassium and sodium percentage, was observed in the appropriate class. Considering the not very desirable condition of this aquifer quality, there is a need for detailed planning to prevent the deterioration of the existing situation and in the next step to provide solutions to improve the quality of this aquifer.