Groundwater and surface water quality assessment for irrigation purpose

Abstract

The groundwater (GW) and surface (canal) water quality of command area of Telhara distributary of Wan River Project, Akola district was assessed for its suitability for irrigation. Groundwater samples from fifteen deep bore wells of command area and surface water samples from reservoir and canal were collected. The samples were analysed to interpret its quality in terms of electrical conductivity (EC), pH, sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and total dissolved solids (TDS). Results confirmed that groundwater in major portion of command have EC >0.75, pH within 6 to 8.5 and SAR<18. About 33.33% water samples categorized in high RSC class and about 93.33% samples show high TDS. For surface water, pH range was 6.36 to 8.05 and has low salinity and contained less TDS which is safe for irrigation. Considering these parameters it is concluded that surface water from study area is safe for irrigation and the groundwater is also suitable for irrigation but with one or two irrigation.