Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in Rewari City, Haryana: Implications for Drinking and Agricultural Purposes

Abstract

The present study evaluates groundwater suitability for irrigation in the Rewari industrial area of Haryana, India, with emphasis on salinity, sodium hazards, and hydrochemical characteristics. Groundwater samples from 11 borewells and tubewells were collected during the pre-monsoon period and analyzed using standard APHA methods. Key irrigation water quality parameters, including Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Sodium Percentage (Na%), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), were calculated to assess water quality. Hydrochemical facies were identified using the Piper trilinear diagram, and irrigation suitability was evaluated using Wilcox classification and the US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) approach. Results indicate moderate to high salinity levels (EC: 1210–1780 µS/cm) and moderate mineralization (TDS: 680–828 mg/L), reflecting combined influence of geogenic processes and anthropogenic activities such as industrial discharge and urban wastewater infiltration. Hydrochemical analysis revealed dominant Ca–Mg–Cl and Na–Cl water types, indicating ion exchange and secondary salinization processes. Irrigation suitability classification showed that most samples fall under moderate to permissible categories, while some locations exhibit high salinity and sodium hazards, limiting their use to salt-tolerant crops. The study concludes that although groundwater is relatively suitable for irrigation compared to surface water, long-term use may lead to soil degradation. Therefore, sustainable groundwater management, crop planning, and regular monitoring are essential for agricultural sustainability in the region.