Spatial group analysis and fuzzy spatial analysis of Shahr-e-Babak plain groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation

Groundwater is frequently utilized as a water resource for drinking, irrigation, and industry purposes in Iran due to limited and unreliable surface water reservoirs. The main aim of this study is to develop systematic approach in GIS inference fuzzy system management to analysis and mapping groundwater quality of Shahr-e-Babak plain located in northwest of Kerman Province. The analysis show that 21.4 and 40.5 percent of Shahr-e-Babak plain groundwater have suitable quality for drinking in east and southeast and for irrigation in north and northeast, respectively. Grouping analysis also showed four types of irrigation water such as C3S1, C3S4, C4S1 and C4S2. C4S1 type of high salinity to low sodium hazard was the most dominant in the study area. Based on the results it’s declared that using spatial fuzzy and grouping analysis in GIS can obviously clarify controlling factor of ground water quality of aquifers. So, protecting groundwater from pollution is crucial for water resources planning and management.