Use of hydrochemical parameters for the identification of fresh groundwater resources, Potharlanka Island, India

A hydrochemical study has been carried out on the fresh groundwater resources of Potharlanka, Krishna Delta, India. Groundwater samples were collected at 58 sites and analyzed in June and December 2001. The groundwater is mildly alkaline with a pH of 7.2-8.2, electrical conductivity (EC) varies from 645-4,700 µS/cm in June 2001 (premonsoon) and from 605-5,770 µS/cm in December 2001 (post-monsoon). More than 75% of the samples have >1000 mg/l TDS which is higher than the maximum permissible limit for potable water, Na and Cl are the dominating cations and these are directly proportional to TDS. Extremely low HCO3/Cl and variable high Mg/Ca (molar ratios) indicated the transformation of the fresh groundwater aquifer systems to saline. Groundwater of this island is classified as Na-Cl, Na-Ca-Cl-HCO3, Na-Mg-Cl-SO4 and mixed types. A high percentage of mixed water types indicates the possibility of simultaneous fresh groundwater dilution activity along with a seawater ingression/intrusion process. Low rainfall and excessive withdrawal of groundwater has caused the increase of saline water intrusion.