The Zoning of Groundwater Quality for Drinking Purpose Using Scholler Model and Geographic Information System (GIS)

Abstract Introduction: Determining the quality of water is particularly important in water resources management, and monitoring and zoning it are considered as a significant principle to be taken into account in planning. Schuller method is the commonest way to determine the quality of water. The present study was conducted in order to determine the quality of drinking water using Schuller modeling with the help of Kriging interpolation method in GIS environment. Materials & Methods: In the present study, Schuller modeling and Kriging interpolation method were utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) environment in order to determine the quality of water during the statistical period of 2005 to 2014. In so doing, chemical analyzed samples retrieved from the wells and aqueducts of Yazd-Ardakan plain were used. To determine the quality of water, Schuller diagram was utilized in order to classify the quality of drinking water. Results: The results of the study indicated that the quality of drinking water reduces as we move from the southwest to the northeast of the plain. Approximately 30% of the studied area was in good and acceptable condition in regard with the quality of drinking water. Also, about 57% of the study area had poor quality drinking water, i.e. water with inappropriate and totally unpleasant quality and 13% of the map of drinking water quality is devoted to average quality, which is located in the central area. Conclusion: Only principled way to prevent dangerous consequences of the water table decline is the correct and systematic use of water.