Assessment of Ramshir region groundwater quality for irrigation purposes using Piper and Wilcox diagrams

Groundwater, as a key source of fresh water worldwide, is undergoing uncontrolled extraction, which has led to a high decrease in the quantity and quality of these resources. The present study evaluated the groundwater quality of the Ramshir region (southwest of Iran) for irrigation purposes using Piper and Wilcox diagrams. For this aim, ۱۸ groundwater samples collected and analysed in July ۲۰۱۷. The results showed that according to the Piper diagram, Ramshir groundwater is in the sulphate category and according to the Wilcox diagram is in the C۴S۱ class. Interpretation of analytical data hints mixed Ca-Mg-SO۴ and Ca-SO۴ are the dominant hydrochemical faces in the study area. Alkali earths and alkali (Ca+, Na+) and strong acids (SO۴۲-, Cl-) are slightly dominating over alkalis earth (Mg۲+, K+) and weak acids (HCO۳-). Groundwater in the study area is generally hard, high to very high saline. High range of TH and TDS in a few places identify the unsuitability of groundwater for irrigation. Such areas require special care to provide adequate drainage and introduce alternative salt tolerance cropping.