Assessment and modeling of groundwater quality by using water quality index (WQI) and GIS technique in meknes aquifer (Morocco)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Assessment of groundwater quality is important for drinking water, especially for rural populations. The aim of this study was to assess the groundwater quality for human consumption by integrating the water quality index with geographic information system (GIS) for the eventual interpretation of Meknes area water quality. Eight wells and two springs were investigated between February 2013 and February 2014. In light of the analysis results, spatial distribution maps of chosen physico-chemical parameters such as pH, O2, EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO4 2−, NH4 +, NO3 −, NO2 −, PO4 3−, SO4 2− and HCO3 – were prepared using GIS. Water Quality Index (WQI) approach is utilized with the groundwater parameters and spatial distribution maps have been developed using GIS for the obtained indexes. The anthropogenic activities may be the likely cause of poor water quality. The north and north-west regions are influenced by anthropogenic inputs from the leaching of landfill and wastewater, whereas the south-west region is affected by agricultural runoff due to a quite high level of agricultural activity. The WQI values varied from 28.88 to 187.18. According to WQI classification, 30% of samples are unsuitable for drinking water purposes. These findings indicate the need for serious reflection on the part of the planners and decision-makers for efficient management of the groundwater resources.