Quality Evaluation and Irrigational Suitability of Groundwater in a Lateritic Terrain, Vettikavala Block, South Kerala, India

The geochemical characteristics of groundwater in the lateritic terrain of Vettikavala block, South Kerala was evaluated during the pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons to assess its appropriateness for domestic and irrigational purposes. One hundred and one water samples from shallow open wells were collected and analysed for pH, EC, TDS and all major cations and anions. The results point out that certain areas with acidic pH are unsuitable for drinking and other domestic purposes. Piper diagram reveals that most of the samples were HCO₃ dominated, since dissolution plays an important role and also no major shifting was noticed during both the seasons suggesting a static regime. Irrigational suitability assessed by percent sodium reveals that 10% of the waters in the area are unsuitable.