Evaluation of Drinking and Agricultural Water Quality in the North of Qazvin Plain's Springs

Groundwater is the most important source for various uses, including drinking and farming requirements. In Qazvin plain region the existence of these resources such as springs are very important for livelihood and consumption of the region’s population. In this study, fifteen springs were sampled in 2013. The aim of this study was to evaluate water quality of springs in the north region of Qazvin plain for drinking and agricultural purposes. For this purpose, for classification of water quality for drinking water, the Water Quality Index (WQI) method and for agricultural water usages, Wilcox classification, sodium percentage and RSC was used. The results indicated that among springs evaluated, based on the WQI method, about 93 percent of them were categorized in good and excellent range and about 7 percent in poor range. Based on Wilcox classification, about 80 percent of samples were categorized in the range of low salt level suitable for agriculture (C2S1), and 20 percent were categorized as salty and should only be used when necessary(C3S1). The classification based on the percentage of sodium, showed that about 80 percent of the samples examined were in excellent, good and acceptable conditions and 20 percent were in uncertain status. Similarly, according to RSC rankings, about 93 percent had acceptable quality, and 7 percent had poor quality. In general, according to the results of classification of this study area, springs were suitable and favorable for drinking and farming purposes and a few need further monitoring and investigation.