Evaluation of monsoon effect on groundwater quality using GIS mapping: A case study of Bahawalnagar district-Pakistan

A research was carried out in Bahawalnagar, South Punjab. Both water quality and quantity have great importance for the existence of the agriculture sector that is a backbone of economy of Pakistan. Water is necessary for all living creatures. The groundwater quality was assessed using GIS (Geographical Information System) applications and GS+ software. The three major indicators Electrical Conductivity (EC), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) were analyzed during pre and post-monsoon season. These three major parameters and pH of groundwater quality are mostly checked in both seasons. The water quality parameters of 183 monitoring sites were analyzed according to standard protocol by Punjab Irrigation Department and PCRWR (Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources). The groundwater quality was mainly affected by EC, SAR and RSC parameters. The area effected during pre and post monsoon was “75 and 70%” respectively. The groundwater quality maps showing adverse effects increasingly from north-east to south-west. But most of the area affected due to EC parameter and high adverse effect was observed during post monsoon season in case of SAR and RSC parameters.