Iranian Journal of Irrigation & Drainage

Iranian Journal of Irrigation & Drainage

Monitoring Groundwater Quality in Rural Areas of Mahmoudabad Using WQI and NSFWQI Indices: A Correlation and Clustering Approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fatemeh Heidari C henari 1
Mojtaba Khoshravesh 2
Ramin Fazloula 3
1 Ph.D. student in Hydraulic Structures, Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran.
2 Associate Professor. Department of Water Engineering. Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University
3 Professor, Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran.
10.22034/idj.2026.565686.2650
Abstract
Groundwater quality plays a crucial role in providing drinking water and ensuring the health of rural communities, and its variations can affect public health and the sustainability of water resources. In this study, the quality of rural wells in Mahmoudabad County was assessed over the period 2020–2025 using the WQI and NSFWQI indices, along with statistical methods including Pearson correlation analysis and k-means clustering. The results indicated that over 80% of the water sources fall within the “good” to “excellent” categories; however, increased concentrations of nitrate, total hardness, and TDS in some wells highlight the impact of agricultural activities and the region’s hydrogeological conditions. Correlation analysis revealed strong relationships between chemical parameters and quality indices, while clustering divided the water sources into three distinct quality groups, facilitating prioritization for monitoring and resource management. Spatial distribution of water quality also showed differences related to well depth, formation type, and surrounding land use. These findings emphasize that periodic monitoring and pollutant management are essential to maintain water quality and reduce contamination risks.
Keywords
Cluster analysis
Coastal aquifer
Geochemical processes
Nitrate pollution
Water quality indicators
Iranian Journal of Irrigation & Drainage

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 August 2026