Groundwater quality assessment for domestic and agricultural purposes using GIS, hydrochemical facies and water quality indices: case study of Rafsanjan plain, Kerman province, Iran

Abstract This paper investigates the suitability of groundwater for domestic and agricultural use in Rafsanjan plain, southwest part Daranjir–Saghand basin, Iran. Fifty-five samples were collected analyzed by six methods including water quality index (WQI), Schoeller diagram, irrigation (IWQ) parameters, Piper US salinity diagram Wilcox diagram. The spatial distribution maps chemical parameters indices plotted using IDW method GIS. results showed a low concentration major ions southeastern high from central towards northwestern plain. was strongly affected flow, geological setting existence evaporative layers studied area. Moreover, revealed that most exceeded acceptable limits recommended WHO ISIRI1053 standards purposes. In wells, classified into saline very hard categories. analyses based on WQI values indicated above 87% unsuitable drinking IWQ expressed 85%, 67%, 32%, 51%, 43% 50% had EC > 3000, Na% 60%, MAR 50%, KR 1, SAR 9 Cl − 350, respectively, which use. dominant hydrochemical facies Na–Cl–SO4 type, 63% 22.8% categorized as C4S4 C4S3 class, with high-salinity–high-sodium hazards hazards, respectively. It irrigated lands this study area different levels sodicity caused decreases plant growth crop productivity. can assist decision-makers planners prioritizing resources management region.