Evaluation of Groundwater Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes in Toba Tek Singh District, Pakistan

Surface water and ground water are two main sources of water. Surface water includes rivers, canals, streams, fresh water lakes etc., while groundwater is obtained from well and borehole water [1]. Groundwater is under the earth surface originated as infiltration from precipitation, stream flows etc. Under the action of gravity the water moves downwards until it reaches strata to form the groundwater. About 97% of earth’s fresh water is groundwater [2]. Groundwater is also an important part of the water cycle and is used to maintain soil moisture, wetlands, stream flow, and is also the main source of drinking and irrigation worldwide. Groundwater contains about 40 to 70% of the world water resources being used for drinking and irrigation purposes [3]. Due to decrease in surface water resources and partially pollution, the groundwater is becoming more important for drinking and irrigation purposes [4,5].


Introduction
Surface water and ground water are two main sources of water. Surface water includes rivers, canals, streams, fresh water lakes etc., while groundwater is obtained from well and borehole water [1]. Groundwater is under the earth surface originated as infiltration from precipitation, stream flows etc. Under the action of gravity the water moves downwards until it reaches strata to form the groundwater. About 97% of earth's fresh water is groundwater [2]. Groundwater is also an important part of the water cycle and is used to maintain soil moisture, wetlands, stream flow, and is also the main source of drinking and irrigation worldwide. Groundwater contains about 40 to 70% of the world water resources being used for drinking and irrigation purposes [3]. Due to decrease in surface water resources and partially pollution, the groundwater is becoming more important for drinking and irrigation purposes [4,5].
Water quality is very important for the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. Water has ability to suspend, absorb and dissolve different compounds. By nature water is not pure as it gets contaminants from its surrounding caused by humans, animals and other biological actions [6,7]. Water seeps from the porous soil and gets dissolved salts and gases, metals, organic compounds, nitrates and sulphates [8][9][10]. Water contains the minerals useful for human nutrition [11]. The groundwater quality is one of the most important parts of water resource studies [12,13]. Scarcity of fresh water is one of most important environmental problems in the world today [14].
The groundwater quality depends on different processes starting from condensation in atmosphere to the water discharge from the well, and is controlled by dissolved salts, material type and disposal system. The water quality is deteriorated by both natural as well as anthropogenic factors [15]. The groundwater quality is controlled by contaminated activities, discharge recharge pattern and nature of the rocks [16]. The different contaminants present in the groundwater above the standard of World Health Organization (WHO) can cause different ailments in humans and are not safe for industrial uses [17,18]. The good quality water prevents disease and improves quality of life [19]. The distribution of trace elements in the groundwater has a large range of chemical composition [20]. This composition depends on aquifer lithology, quality of water recharge and human activities [21]. Univariate statistical analysis is applied to interpret the trace elements. Multivariate method can be used to explain the correlations between different variables [22,23]. This multivariate method is used widely to interpret relationships among different variables to manage the environmental system better [24,9].
The majority of people in developing countries use the water from shallow wells and boreholes which have high contaminations [25]. The pollution of groundwater aquifers causes the wells unfit for consumption [26]. Dramatic increase in world population has resulted in huge consumption of water resources [27]. The population explosion caused by the increase in urbanization, industrialization and development activities has produced the water crises [28]. Low water flow, industrial discharges and municipal effluents may cause the poor water quality [7]. The poor or bad water quality has its effects on life expectancy and the health; it is a constant hazard for soils and crops. Therefore, it is important to check the assessment and the estimation of the quality for ground water whether it is suitable for agricultural, domestic and industrial uses.
The water quality for irrigation and domestic uses is assessed by geochemical study [29][30][31]. Water quality is more important than water quantity in any drinking water supply planning [32,33]. Water quality standards are based on quality control program and treatment process. These standards are helpful for the identification of water quality problems caused by the discharge of waste water from active or abandoned mixing sites, fertilizers and sediments. These standards are very useful to assess the water quality conditions [34,35].
Generally, the water quality assessment is based on physicochemical analysis. World Health Organization (WHO) provides the guidelines for drinking water based on water quality parameters such as sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), bicarbonate (HCO -3 ), chloride (Cl -), sulphate (SO 4 2-), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and total hardness (TH). These parameters should be in permissible limits of concentration for drinking water quality [36,37]. If these parameters cross this limit, it may cause health diseases. Thus, the determination of concentrations of these parameters based on their guideline values is required for the assessment of suitability of drinking water [38].
The guideline for irrigation water quality is provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations [39]. Salinity and sodium hazard indicators are useful to assess the suitability of irrigation water [40]. The sodium absorption ratio (SAR) is very effective assessment index for irrigation water [39,41,42].
Groundwater is the main source of drinking and irrigation water in Pakistan. The over burden population, unplanned urbanization, inappropriate dumping of solids and liquid wastes and loose governance have resulted in the deterioration of quality and quantity of groundwater in Pakistan [43]. The present study was carried out in Toba Tek Singh District of Pakistan to assess the groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes. Groundwater is the main source of drinking and irrigation water in that area. The main goal of this study was to interpret the water quality by determining the variations in the physicochemical parameters, investigating the statistical, correlation and graphical analysis. In order to assess the irrigation water quality in the study area, different indices such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (PS), permeability index (PI), residual sodium bicarbonate (RSBC), Kelly's ratio (KR), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), total hardness (TH) were calculated from standard equations. It is anticipated that this study would be helpful to determine the water quality in District Toba Tek Singh, and to motivate further studies to this effect.

Study Area
Toba Tek Singh District is situated in Rechna Doab which is lying between Chenab River and Ravi River. It contains the latitude 30°33' to 31°2' N and the longitude 72°08' to 72°48' E ( Figure 1). It is an important irrigation District of Southern Punjab in Pakistan. It has hot and dry climate in the summer season from April to October. The summer period is lengthy in the area. And May, June and July are the hottest months. During the summer season, 42℃ and 29℃ are mean maximum and minimum temperatures. The winter season is comparatively short. December, January and February are the coldest months. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures during the winter season are 29℃ and 5℃, respectively. Monsoon is the rainy season in the district from July to September and most of the precipitation is during this season, but the rain in winter is scarce. The annual precipitation in the district is 158 mm.
Toba Tek Singh District is an alluvial plain where sand is the dominant subsurface lithology starting from some feet depth that formed good aquifers in the area. The drainage of the district depends  information about water quality. It not only provides information about the environment where the water has circulated, but also helps understanding the suitability of drinking and irrigation water. Drinking and irrigation water quality was assessed on the basis of analytical results. World Health Organization [48], Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority [49], and Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources [50] limits were considered as standard for drinking water quality. The irrigation water quality was assessed on the basis of the guideline provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations [39]. Suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation was also assessed on the basis of several other classifications. The results of physicochemical analysis for drinking and irrigation water quality collected from different locations in Toba Tek Singh District are given in Tables 2 and 3, respectively. The analytical results of physicochemical parameters for drinking and irrigation water quality were transformed into descriptive statistical parameters, such as minimum, maximum, mean, median and standard deviation for the entire study period (Table 4).

Drinking water quality
Water quality is the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water [51]. The water quality varies and depends on the variations in geological formations. Different elements present in the groundwater depend on the associated rock bodies and the time it has been in contact with geological material. Groundwater is the only safe and reliable source of drinking water in Toba Tek Singh District. The parameters such as sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), bicarbonate (HCO -3 ), chloride (Cl -), sulphate (SO 4 2-), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and total hardness (TH) are regarded as critical determinants for most development studies of water quality [52]. On the basis of the comparison of groundwater quality data with World Health-Organization [48], Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority [49] and Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources [50], the suitability of drinking water was determined. The number and percentage of the samples which exceeded the permissible limits are given in Table 5. It was observed from Table 5 that majority of the samples were in the safe range, except some of the samples such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sulphate (SO 4 2-), chloride (Cl -), magnesium (Mg 2+ ) and calcium (Ca 2+ ). Generally, the groundwater quality in most of the study area is suitable for drinking purposes.
pH: pH is regarded as one of the most commonly used parameters to test soil and water. It indicates the acidic or alkaline potential of water and is calculated on a scale of 1-14. The pH value of 7 represents neutral water; less than 7 indicates acidic and greater than 7 shows basic water. Generally, water with pH range of 6.5~8.5 recommended by WHO and on its rivers and the canal system. Chenab and Ravi supply most of the water through inter river link canals. Ravi River also provides some water during flood season. The ground surface generally slopes in southwest direction. The groundwater is the main source of drinking and irrigation water with the supplement of canal water in the study area. The recharge of groundwater in the area is mostly through the river and canal system. Rainfall also plays a role to recharge the groundwater during monsoon. Through infiltration, the precipitation reaches the water reservoir under the ground. The rainfall in the area is not enough to recharge the ground water for drinking and irrigation purpose, so the rivers are the main source to recharge the groundwater resources. The analysis of data shows that groundwater quality in the study area is generally good or marginally acceptable for drinking and irrigation purposes. However, the decline in groundwater quality is visible and can cause long term sustainability issues, if the proper actions are not taken in time.

Sample collection and preservation
A sum-total 72 nos. groundwater samples were collected from different bore-wells at average depth of 50 m to 120 m. Locations of these samples are presented in Figure 1. Sampling collection and preservation were carried out according to the standard procedures [44,45], and then the tested data were interpreted on the basis of physiochemical analysis. Samples of physicochemical parameters were taken into 2L pre-cleaned polythene kegs. In order to avoid from contamination, special care was taken during sample collection, processing and transportation. The bottle was rinsed three times with groundwater filtered through 0.45 mm mixed cellulose ester membrane before the sample collection. Before analysis samples were preserved at approximately 4°C.

Sample analysis
Physicochemical parameters like total hardness, CaCO -3 , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ of collected samples were analyzed as per standard methods [46,47]. The analysis of samples for water quality was carried out for main anions, such as, sulphate, bicarbonate and chloride; the cations such as calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium; and the physiochemicals such as pH, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids as per standard procedures. Seventy two water samples were collected and analyzed for 11 physicochemical water quality parameters including sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), bicarbonate (HCO -  (Table 1).
In order to verify the accuracy, the international standard referential materials and the synthetic solutions were applied to the samples. The mean values were used for calculations. The recovery was greater than 95% for the standard referential materials. The methods applied for the determination of the other variables, not practiced in the referential materials, were checked by using synthetic aqueous solutions. The data were also checked at two different independent laboratories, and a maximum of ± 5% deviation was observed.    PSQCA is considered as safe for drinking purpose. PCRWR suggested range of pH is 6.5~9.2. In study area, pH varied from 6.3 to 10, with mean value of 7.7, median of 7.6, and standard deviation of 0.71 (Table  4). It was observed from Table 5 that most of the samples had pH levels within the safe limits of WHO, PSQCA and PCRWR. 8% of samples were not within the permissible limit of WHO and PSQCA, while 6% of samples were out of the safe limit set by PCRWR.

Electrical conductivity (EC):
Electrical conductivity measures the water ability to conduct an electric current. It signifies the amount of total dissolved salts and is very useful for assessing the purity of water [53]. It is generally used to estimate the amount of total dissolved solids and minerals. It increases with the reaching of dissolved minerals. In the study area, EC values ranged from 155 to 3070 μS/cm, with mean value of 529.25 μS/cm, median of 351 μS/cm, and standard deviation of 465.12 μS/cm (Table 4). EC standard limit for drinking water is 1500 μS/cm as recommended by WHO and PSQCA. PCRWR safe limit of EC for drinking water is 2343 μS/cm. Table 5 showed that 3% of samples were out of safe limit of WHO and PSQCA. Only 1% samples were not within standard limit of PCRWR. Overall 97% of the samples were safe for drinking water.

Total dissolved solids (TDS):
The Total dissolved solids generally indicate the amount of minerals and solids dissolved in water. High values of TDS change the taste, corrosive property and hardness of the water [54][55][56]. High concentrations of TDS are due to the presence of sulphates, chlorides, bicarbonates, carbonates and calcium [57,58]. The measurement of specific conductivity is the most commonly used method for determining TDS [59]. EC values can be converted to TDS values by multiplying EC by a factor varying with the type of water. This factor ranges from 0.5 to 0.9 [60]. The maximum contaminant limit of TDS for drinking water is 1000 mg/L as given by WHO and PSQCA, and 1500 mg/L by PCRWR standard. In the study area, TDS values varied from 91 to 1841 mg/L with mean, median and standard deviation of 303 mg/L, 193.5 mg/L and 287.49 mg/L, respectively (Table 4). According to Table 5, 3% of the water samples were classified as unacceptable using WHO and PSQCA standard, only 1% samples were not within safe limit of PCRWR. Most of the samples were found within safe limit for drinking water.
The palatability of drinking water studied by panels of taters based on its TDS level was given in Table 6 [52,59]. According to Table 6, 68% of samples belonged to excellent water class and 24% samples were found in good water class as categorized by WHO [59]. According to the water class given by Kumar et al. [52], 97% samples were placed in fresh water category, while only 3% in brackish water class. Hence, based on different classifications of TDS, the water in the study area is good for drinking purpose.

Total hardness (TH):
Total hardness depends on calcium and magnesium ions [61]. It was calculated by Ragunath [62] using the formula: TH values in the study area varied from 70 to 460 mg/L with mean values of 172.66 mg/L, median of 142.5 mg/L and standard deviation of 86.13 mg/L ( Table 4). The permissible limit of TH recommended by WHO, PSQCA and PCRWR is 500 mg/L as given in Table 5. None of the samples in the study area exceeded this limit. The groundwater for drinking was also classified into four different categories like soft, moderately hard, hard and very hard based on TH in Table 6 [63]. Table  6 shows that 57% of samples belonged to moderately hard category, while 29% samples were regarded as hard, and only 11% samples fell in very hard water category. The results show that the water quality based on TH is over all permissible for drinking purpose in the study area.

Chloride (Cl -):
Chloride is the major ion associated with Individual Septic Disposal (ISDSS) [64]. It is found in all natural waters with relatively small amounts. It can also be derived from human sources. Chloride can affect the food taste [47]. However, it does not cause any health hazard. In the study area, the range of chloride values was from 1 to 480 mg/L with mean, median and standard deviation of 27.33 mg/L, 9.5 mg/L and 61.67 mg/L, respectively ( Table 4). The permissible limit of chloride for drinking water is 250 mg/L set by WHO, 500 mg/L by PSQCA, and 600 mg/L by PCRWR. It was observed in Table 5 that only 1% of the samples exceeded the permissible limit of WHO, while no sample exceeded the safe limit of PSQCA and PCRWR. Hence, the water quality for drinking purpose is permissible based on chloride in the study area.  Table 4). The safe limits of sulphate given by WHO is 200 mg/L, 400 mg/L recommended by PSQCA and PCRWR. Table 5 showed that 7% samples were not in the safe range of WHO, while only 1% samples exceeded the permissible limit of PSQCA and PCRWR. So, overall water quality is good in the study area on the basis of sulphate concentrations.

Bicarbonate (HCO 3 -):
The main source of bicarbonate ions in groundwater is the dissolution of carbonate rocks and the carbonate species, and the pH of water is usually from 5 to 7 [65]. It was observed that all dissolved carbonate species convert to H 2 CO 3 below pH=6,    while the ratio of CO 3 and H 2 CO 3 increases above pH=7 [66]. In the study area, the values of bicarbonate ranged from 20 to 430 mg/L with the mean, median and standard deviation of 151.11 mg/L, 120 mg/L and 87.73 mg/L, respectively ( Table 4). The permissible limits of bicarbonate for drinking water given by WHO are 600 mg/L; and 500 mg/L set by PSQCA and PCRWR. All the samples were found within the safe limit of WHO, PSQCA and PCRWR. Hence, the drinking water quality is permissible on the basis of bicarbonate values.

Calcium (Ca 2+ ):
Calcium is the fifth most common element present in natural waters and it contributes to the water hardness. Calcite, gypsum, aragonite and anhydrite are the main source of calcium in groundwater, especially in sedimentary rocks. Granitic terrain is the natural source of calcium and has large concentration of such elements [67]. In the study area, calcium values varied from 16 to 162 mg/L with mean values of 42.36 mg/L, median values of 36 mg/L and standard deviation of 21.04 mg/L ( Table 4). The standard limit of calcium for drinking water set by WHO is 100 mg/L. The permissible limit given by PSQCA and PCRWR is 200 mg/L. Only 1% of samples crossed the limit given by WHO, while all the samples were within the permissible limits set by PSQCA and PCRWR. So, on the basis of calcium concentration, groundwater is safe for drinking purpose in the study area.

Magnesium (Mg 2+ )":
Magnesium is regarded as one of the most common elements within the earth's crust. It is found in all natural waters. It contributes to water hardness. Dolomites and mafic minerals in rocks are the main source of magnesium in natural waters. In the study area, magnesium values ranged from 2 to 78 mg/L with mean values of 17.14 mg/L, median values of 12.5 mg/L and standard deviation of 13.09 mg/L ( Table 4). The permissible limit of magnesium for drinking purpose is 50 mg/L given by WHO, 100 mg/L by PSQCA and 150 mg/L by PCRWR. Only 3% of the samples were not within the permissible limit of WHO, while all the samples were found within the safe limits of PSQCA and PCRWR. Hence, groundwater is safe for drinking purpose on the basis of magnesium values.

Sodium (Na + ):
Sodium is the most important natural mineral. Granitic terrain decomposition increases the concentration of sodium ion [67]. In the study area, sodium values were in the range of 4 to 198 mg/L with mean of 31.15 mg/L, median of 9.5 mg/L and standard deviation of 44.6 mg/L ( Table 4). The permissible limit of sodium for drinking purpose is 200 mg/L given by WHO, PSQCA and PCRWR. All the samples were found within the permissible limits of WHO, PSQCA and PCRWR. Hence, groundwater quality is safe for drinking purpose on the basis of sodium values.

Potassium (K + ):
Potassium is considered as one of the most important natural minerals. The decomposition of granitic terrain increases potassium ion concentration [67]. In the study area, potassium values varied from 1.7 to 13 mg/L with mean of 4.17 mg/L, median of 3.25 mg/L and standard deviation of 2.5 mg/L ( Table 4). The safe limit of potassium for drinking purpose is 55 mg/L set by WHO; and 50 mg/L given by PSQCA and PCRWR. It was observed that all the samples were within the permissible limits of WHO, PSQCA and PCRWR. Hence, groundwater is safe for drinking purpose on the basis of potassium values.
Most of the samples of water quality parameters were found safe for drinking water. Thus, groundwater quality in the study area is suitable for drinking purpose.

Irrigation water quality
The irrigation water quality depends on the constituents of the minerals present in the groundwater [68]. The concentration of dissolved salts, relative proportion of bicarbonate to calcium, magnesium and relative proportion of sodium to calcium are the important chemical constituents, which affect the water quality for irrigation. The major problems of irrigation water quality are salinity and alkalinity. Salts may affect plant growth. The irrigation of food crops has a possible hazard to food consumers if the irrigation water quality is inadequate. The salinity of groundwater for irrigation also depends on the kinds of crops, composition and permeability of soil, the climate of region, the amount of water used the topography of land, the nature of groundwater, as well as the surface water drainage system. In this study, the discussion of irrigation water quality is mainly based on the concentrations of physicochemical parameters (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids), and other important irrigation water quality parameters, namely sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (PS), permeability index (PI), residual sodium bicarbonate (RSBC), Kelly's ratio (KR), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR) and residual Mg 2+ /Ca 2+ ratio. The calculation of all these parameters was carried out by ionic concentration (meq/L) [30,[69][70][71].
The concentrations of parameters (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate,) for the assessment of irrigation water quality were converted from mg/L to meq/L using the relation: Unit of parameter in mg/L/equivalent weight of parameter=Unit of parameter in meq/L The equivalent weights of these parameters are given in Table 7. The irrigation water quality parameters were calculated in meq/L. The results of different irrigation water parameters are given in Table 3, summarized in Table 4.

Physiochemical parameters:
The irrigation water quality was assessed on the basis of water quality parameters such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate, pH, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids [39]. It was observed in Table 8 that all parameters, except of some samples of pH, EC and Mg 2+ , were found within permissible limit. 8% samples of pH exceeded the safe limit, while only 3% samples of EC and Mg 2+ were found unsafe for irrigation water. Hence, the groundwater quality is overall good for irrigation purpose in the study area based on physicochemical parameters.

Salinity:
The salinity affects the crop water availability. It is measured on the basis of EC and TDS [39]. Based on the interpretation of EC and TDS for salinity in  Specific ion toxicity: It affects the sensitive crops. It is estimated on the basis of sodium (Na + ) and chloride (Cl -) [39]. The classification of sodium and chloride for specific ion toxicity as given in Table 9, showed that 86% of sodium samples were safe for surface and sprinkler irrigation, while 14% samples had slight to moderate effect of specific ion toxicity, but none had severe effect. For surface irrigation, 98% samples of chloride had no effect of specific ion toxicity, only 1% samples had slight to moderate effect, while 1% samples had severe effect of specific ion toxicity. For sprinkler irrigation based on chloride, 96% samples were safe while 4% samples of chloride hade slight to moderate effect of specific ion toxicity. Hence, overall samples show safe irrigation water quality on the basis of specific ion toxicity.
Miscellaneous effect: It affects susceptible. It is measured on the basis of bicarbonate (HCO -3 ), and pH [39]. It was found that 21% samples of bicarbonate were safe, while 79% had slight to moderate miscellaneous. 89% samples of pH had no miscellaneous effect (Table  9). No severe miscellaneous effect was observed based on bicarbonate and pH. Hence, irrigation water quality is acceptable in the study area based on miscellaneous effects.

Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR):
The sodium adsorption ratio was measured by the following equation [70]: All ion concentrations were expressed in meq/L. It provides an idea about the adsorption of sodium by soil. It shows the proportion of sodium to calcium and magnesium, which can affect the water availability of crop. The excess of sodium in water reduces the soil permeability [72]. The calculated values of SAR are given in Table 3. SAR varied from 0.11 to 6.09 with mean and median values of 0.95 and 0.36, respectively, the standard deviation is 1.27 (Table 4). According to the classification of SAR [70] in the study area, Table 10 showed that all the samples of SAR had excellent water class and it is acceptable for irrigation in the study area.

Percent sodium (PS):
The percent sodium was calculated by the equation given as: PS=[(Na + +K + )/(Ca 2+ +Mg 2+ +Na + +K + )] × 100 (4) All the ions were expressed in the unit of meq/L. It is very important to study sodium hazard. High percentage of sodium in the groundwater may affect the plant growth and reduce soil permeability [73]. PS was calculated using above equation and its values are given in Table 3. It ranged from 5.11 to 72 with mean, median and standard deviation values of 22.79, 15.94 and 16.02, respectively ( Table 4). The classification of PS [74] is given in Table 10. It was observed in Table  10 that 60% samples were in excellent category, 24% samples in good, 12% samples in permissible, and only 4% in doubtful category. Overall   irrigation water quality is suitable on the basis of percent sodium in the study area.

Residual sodium bi-carbonate (RSBC):
The residual sodium bicarbonate was calculated using the formula [75]: RSBC and concentrations of the constituents were measured in meq/L .The concentration of bicarbonate and carbonate affects the groundwater quality for irrigation. High pH of groundwater increases the concentration of bicarbonate. Therefore, such water makes the irrigated land infertile owing to deposition of sodium carbonate [76]. RSBC values given in Table 3 were calculated using above equation. In the study area, RSBC values varied from -2.61 to 6.05 meq/L with mean, median and standard deviation values of 0.36 meq/L, 0.07 meq/L and 1.44 meq/L respectively ( Table 4). The classification of RSBC [70] is given in Table 10. 79% of samples fell in good category, 13% samples in medium and only 8% samples in bad category. Hence, overall water samples are considered safe for irrigation water in the study area.

Magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR):
The magnesium adsorption ratio was determined using the given relation [62]: All the ionic constituents expressed were in meq/L. The concentration of magnesium in groundwater is one of the most important qualitative criteria to determine the irrigation water quality. Generally, the concentrations of calcium and magnesium maintain the equilibrium state in most of the waters. The soil salinity increases with the increase in magnesium concentration in groundwater [73]. MAR values were calculated using above equation (Table 3). In the study area, MAR values ranged from 8.62 to 69.89 with mean, median and standard deviation of 37.65, 36.87 and 12.12 respectively (Table  4). MAR values in the study area are classified in Table 10 [39]. 81% samples were found in fit category while only 19% samples fell in unfit category. Hence, most of water samples are safe for irrigation water in the study area.

Kelly's ratio (KR):
Kelly's ratio is calculated using the following formula: All ionic constituents were presented in meq/L. Kelly's ration with values greater than 1 shows excess concentration of sodium; groundwater is suitable for irrigation with Kelly's ratio less than 1 [71]. KR was calculated using above equation and values are given in Table  3. In the study area, KR varied from 0.03 to 2.52 with mean, median and standard deviation of 0.35, 0.16 and 0.47, respectively ( Table 4). The classification of KR in the study area is given in Table 10 [71]. It was observed in Table 10 that 93% samples were found suitable while only 7% samples were studied unsuitable for irrigation. Hence, overall groundwater quality is suitable for irrigation purpose.

Permeability index (PI):
The permeability index was calculated using the following formula [70].
All ions were expressed in meq/L. It is an important parameter to measure the groundwater suitability for irrigation. It is affected by the long term use of agricultural water; total dissolved solids, sodium bicarbonate and soil type are the influencing constituents. PI calculated values are given in Table 3. In the study area, PI varied from 26.97 to 108.91 with mean, median and standard deviation of 60.15, 56.65 and 19.47, respectively ( Table 4). The classification of PI is given in Table 10 [70]. About 21% samples were found complete safe while 79% samples were moderately safe and no sample was found unsafe. Hence, overall groundwater quality is safe for irrigation purpose.
Residual Mg 2+ /Ca 2+ ratio": The residual ratio was calculated using the following relation [52]: Residual Ratio=Mg 2+ /Ca 2+ (9) All ions were expressed in meq/L. It is very useful to find the suitability of groundwater for irrigation; groundwater can be classified as suitable or unsuitable on the basis of this residual ratio [52]. This ratio was calculated and values are given in Table 3. In the study area, it ranged from 0.09 to 2.32 with mean, median and standard deviation of 0.67, 0.58 and 0.38, respectively (Table 4). According to the classification of residual ratio as given in Table 10 [70], it was observed that 97% of samples fell in safe category, only 3% samples were found moderately safe and no sample was found unsafe. Hence, groundwater quality is suitable for irrigation purpose.
Total dissolved solids: The total dissolved solids were calculated using the relation (Richards, 1954 EC and TDS were expressed in μ-mhos/cm and mg/L, respectively. The salts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium in the irrigation groundwater is harmful to crops; and their excess quantities may affect the osmotic activities of the crops and may prevent adequate aeration. To assess the suitability of water for any purpose, TDS should be less than 500 mg/L [76][77][78]. The ratio of TDS to EC ranges from 550 to 700 ppm for different salt solutions. The most common salt in saline water is sodium chloride which has TDS of 640 ppm at EC of 1dS/m. Mostly, TDS is calculated from EC using this relation or multiplying by other factors. TDS values are given in Table 2. In the study area, it ranged from 91 to 1842 mg/L with mean, median and standard deviation of 303 mg/L, 193.5 mg/L and 287.49 mg/L, respectively (Table 4). TDS values for irrigation purpose were classified in Table 10 [79]. It was observed that 96% samples had no salinity; only 4% samples were found slightly saline. Hence, groundwater quality based on TDS is safe for irrigation purpose.

Electrical conductivity (EC): EC and TDS have the relation.
EC and TDS were expressed in μ-mhos/cm and mg/L respectively. It is very important parameter to measure the suitability of groundwater for irrigation purpose. The higher the values of EC, the lesser the water available to crops, even the soil is wet because the plants can only transpire the useful water so, the useable water decreases with the increase in EC. It reduces the yield potential of the crops. EC values are given in Table 2. In the study area, it varied from 155 to 3070 (μS/cm) with mean, median and standard deviation of 529.25 μS/cm, 351 μS/ cm and 465.12 μS/cm, respectively (Table 4). EC values for irrigation purpose were classified in Table 10 [70]. According to this classification, 21% samples were found excellent, 57% good, 21% permissible and only 1% doubtable. Hence, overall groundwater quality based on EC is good for irrigation purpose.

Chloride (Cl -):
Chloride is one of the important parameters to assess the groundwater quality for any purpose. The groundwater suitability for irrigation purpose can be determined on the basis of chloride concentrations [80]. Chloride values in meq/L are given in Table 3. In the study area, it ranged from 0.03 to 13.71 meq/L with mean, median and standard deviation of 0.78 meq/L, 0.27 meq/L and 1.76 meq/L, respectively (Table 4). Chloride values for irrigation purpose were classified in Table 10 [80]. It was observed that 21% samples fell in extremely fresh category, 57% samples in very fresh category, 20% samples in fresh category, 1% samples in fresh brackish category and 1% samples in brackish category. On the basis of this classification it is concluded that most of the water is fresh and no saline water. Hence, overall groundwater quality based on chloride is safe for irrigation purpose.
Hence, the groundwater quality on the basis of different irrigation water quality parameters is suitable for irrigation in the study area (Table 11).

Correlation analysis
The correlation for physiochemical parameters was done by using bivariate technique. The correlation coefficients are worked out to find out the relationship between physicochemical parameters of the water samples [81]. The close examination of correlation matrix was helpful because it can determine relations between variables that can explain the overall coherence of the data set and point out the contribution of the individual chemical parameters in numerous control factors, a fact which commonly occurred in hydrochemistry. According to this method the change is measured between two variables or more and the value remains between -1 and 1. R measures the correlation between the variables, and is called the correlation coefficient and its value ranges between -1 and 1. The value of R around zero shows no relationship between the variables [82]. Its value around 1 shows very strong correlation. If the value of R is greater than 0.7, then this is taken as strongly correlated for the geochemical study. If it ranges from 0.5 values to 0.7 values then correlation coefficient is moderately correlated. If the value of R is negative value then it means that the  value of one variable is decreasing with the increase in other variable value [83]. The correlation was carried out for eleven parameters using the linear regressions as represented in Table 12. The ions correlation for the samples of groundwater is as: Besides very strong correlation (R=0.98) between EC and TDS, strong correlation (R=0.91) also existed between TDS-SO4, EC-SO4 and Mg-TH. pH showed negative correlation with most of the variables. Overall in the study area, EC-TDS, TDS-Na, TDS-HCO 3 , TDS-Cl, EC-Na, EC-HCO 3 , EC-Cl, EC-SO 4 , Ca-TH, Mg-TH, Na-SO 4 , had strong correlation more than 0.7. The pairs like TDS-Mg, TDS-K, TDS-TH, EC-Mg, EC-TH, Ca-Mg, Mg-Na, Mg-K, Mg-SO 4 , Na-K, Na-Cl, Na-TH, K-SO 4 , K-TH, HCO3-HSO4, Cl-SO 4 , TH-SO 4 were moderately correlated with correlation coefficient from 0.5 to 0.7. Other pairs had weak correlation with correlation coefficient less than 5.

Graphical analysis
The ions leach out and dissolve in groundwater during the water circulation in soils and rock bodies. The geochemistry of the groundwater is influenced by the factors like geological formations, water-rock interaction and relative mobility of ions [84]. The results of groundwater quality parameters in form of tables may be difficult to interpret. The graphical analysis of groundwater parameters is easy to interpret. In order to assess the groundwater suitability, the graphical interpretation of groundwater parameters was worked out by developing Piper, Durov, Schoeller and Stiff diagrams.
Piper diagram: The concentrations of major anions and cations can be plotted in Piper tri linear diagram to understand the geochemical evolution of groundwater [85]. Rock Ware Aq.QA software was used to plot the Piper diagram. Piper diagrams are the combination of anion and cation triangles which lie on the common baseline; diamond shape between them is used to characterize different types of water. Piper divided the water into four types by placing it near four corners of the diamond. Water plotted at the top of the diamond is considered as high with Ca +2 +Mg +2 and Cl -+SO 4 -2 , which is the area of permanent hardness. The water plot near right side corner is rich in Ca +2 +Mg +2 ; this water region is temporary hardness. The water plot at the lower corner is composed of alkali carbonates (Na + +K + and HCO 3 -+CO 3 -2 ). The water near left hand side may be saline water (Na + +k + and Cl -+SO 4
The groundwater samples were plotted in Piper diagram using Rock Ware Aq.QA software in Figure 2. It was observed in piper diagram that the nature of groundwater present in investigated area is sodium sulphate form. Thus, Piper diagram not only identifies the nature of water samples but also uncovers their relationships among each other. The geologic units along with chemically similar water can be predicted and classified followed by trend of water chemistry analysis along with flow path [86].
Durov diagram: Durov diagram can help to identify the types of water for the assessment of quality of groundwater [87]. This diagram H S10 D S11 K S12 H S13 H S14 A S15 L S16 G S17 K S18 M S19 J S20 G S21 L S22 E S23 D S24 M S25 G S26 46 More...  is an alternative form of the Piper tri-linear diagram. In Durov diagram, the major cations and anions with percentage of meq/L are set equal to 100% in two base triangles; and the expanded version includes electrical conductivity (μS/cm) and pH data added to the sides of the plot for further comparisons. The data points of the two base triangles are projected in square form which is perpendicular to each triangle. It represents the clustering of data points and the possible geochemical processes which can affect the water quality. This diagram was plotted by using Rock Ware Aq.QA software (Figure 3). The Durov Plot specifies that most of the samples in the study area indicate no dominant anion or cation showing water exhibiting simple dissolution or mixing. Water type of many samples is dominated by Ca +2 and HCO 3 ions which show ion exchange process and Na + ions indicate probable mixing influences. EC and pH part of the plot shows that overall water quality is suitable for drinking and irrigation purpose in the study area.

Piper Diagram
Schoeller diagram: The Schoeller diagram is useful for the study of comparative changes in the concentrations and ratios of water quality parameters for different samples [88]. The different water quality parameters were plotted with their concentrations in meq/L as shown in Figure 4. This diagram was generated using Rock Ware Aq.QA software. The results of this diagram show that lines of similar slope with concentrations of different parameters indicate the same source of water. It was observed in this diagram that the most water type of high sodium concentration also has high content of chloride.

Stiff diagram:
The geochemistry of groundwater can be studied by means of its major ions [89]. Stiff diagram shows graphical representation of different ions in the groundwater. The average ionic composition analysis of stiff diagram is shown in Figure 5. Stiff diagram was plotted using Rock Ware Aq.QA software [90]. It shows dominance of Na-Cl, while Ca-HCO 3 and Mg-SO 4 are almost equal in their proportion.

Conclusion
The groundwater quality of Toba Tek Singh District was assessed for its drinking and irrigation suitability. This work has presented the levels of physicochemical parameters like pH, electrical Conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca 2+ ) magnesium (Mg 2+ ), sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), chloride (Cl -), bicarbonate (HCO -3 ) and sulphate (SO 4 2-) in the well water samples collected from Toba Tek Singh District. The results obtained from the analysis of physicochemical parameters for drinking purpose show that most of the parameters did not exceed the permissible limit set by the world Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR). The analysis of irrigation water parameters such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (PS), permeability index (PI), residual sodium bicarbonate (RSBC), Kelly's ratio (KR), and magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), show that overall groundwater quality in the study area is good for irrigation. Results obtained from graphical analysis (Piper and Durov diagrams) of groundwater samples show that the groundwater is Na-SO 4 type and most of the groundwater samples are in the phase of mixing, dissolution with few in reverse ion exchange. However, the present status of some of the water samples does not meet the international standard of water quality with respect to some constituents, a condition that is possibly to be worst in future. Thus the results obtained from the present investigation shall be helpful for future management of the reservoir water. The physicochemical characteristics of reservoir water suggested that the water in most of Toba Tek Singh District was no harmful to irrigation and drinking water.