evaluation of surface irrigation water quality in muktagacha upazila of bangladesh

A study was conducted to determine the quality of water for irrigation from the surface water of water bodies inMuktagacha Upazila under Mymensingh District. Water samples from 19 different water bodies (river, pond, khal, canal, beel etc.) located all over the upazila were collected and analyzed for chemical composition and properties to classify them according to their suitability for irrigation. All water samples were found excellent to good and normal for irrigation in respect of salinity or Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) respectively, and practically neutral to slightly alkaline in respect of pH. Considering boron concentration most of the samples was found to be excellent for all types of crops of the study area. Conventional Classification of water by Piper diagram have been done to show clustering of data points to indicate samples that have similar composition. Geographical Information System (GIS) have been used in mapping, which greatly aided in the understanding of and decision making in water resources management. Any initiativefor surface water development for planned irrigation practices is highly encouraged.