Ground water aquifer properties of Sargodha City, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Groundwater is the major source for drinking and household use in the study area. Water quality deterioration has been reported as one of the most serious problem in Sargodha City, Punjab, Pakistan. The city is under severe water stress because of rapid decline in water quantity and quality. The present study examines the groundwater quality parameters of different aquifers categorized on the basis of their borehole depth. The aquifers mapping in the study area have not yet been made so for. The present study is a pioneer work of its kind as water quality of different aquifers from varied depth has been spatially analyzed. Random proportionate sampling was made for sample selection from one hundred different sites. The samples were analyzed by the authors in water quality testing lab. The site selection for sampling was based upon land-use classification of the study area. Seventeen parameters from each sample were calculated. The result of water samples was grouped according to the water table depth of each borehole. The four groups of aquifers showed a clear variation among different parameters i.e. Chloride, Sulfate, and TDS were found above the normal limit. The average electrical conductivity is 3625.4gm/l in group A is 335.28mg/l in B and 2868.636 in C. The average value of chloride in group A is 1368 mg/l while 1247.786 mg/l in group B and 1295.807 mg/l in C. The TDS values are 4270.04 mg/l in A and 2987.019 mg/l in B and 3409.091 in C.  The all parameters showed a clearly deteriorating trend in groundwater quality of the study area. The findings of the study are in line with the different researches conducted in the surrounding areas. The results of the study are a wakeup call for the residents and district administration. The results have highlighted the water quality issue and asked for serious attentions from the relevant authorities.