GROUNDWATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT FOR IRRIGATION PURPOSE IN PERIYAPATNA TALUK, MYSURU DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, INDIA

An Assessment of quality parameters of groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes was carried out in Periyapatna Taluk, Karnataka, India. The study area spreads over about 815 km² and lies in the Northern parts of Hassan District and in the south parts of Hunsur Taluk. Groundwater is the major source of water supply, for both drinking and agricultural activities. Groundwater samples collected from 120 bore-wells, during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods in the year 2014, were analyzed for their physical and chemical characteristics. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation purposes was evaluated based on several parameters including Salinity hazard percentage, Sodium, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, and other qualities. Data interpretation has also been done using USSL diagram, Gibbs diagram, Kelly’s ratio and Permeability Index.  The Physical and Chemical parameters of groundwater, such as, Electrical Conductivity, pH, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^-, HCO₃^-, CO₃ ^2,-, SO₄ ^2-, NO₃^-were determined. The Interpretation of analytical data shows that some of the major ions are dominant. Ca, Mg, Cl, Ca, Cl, and Na-Cl are the dominant hydro chemical faces of the study area. The results of analysis were also compared with the Water Quality Standards of Indian Standard Institute (ISI), and World Health Organization (WHO). The overall groundwater quality is found suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. The systematic planning of groundwater exploitation using modern technologies is essential for the proper utilization of this precious natural resource. The spatial evaluation made from this study could be used for effective identification of suitable locations for extraction of potable water by rural population.