A new hydrochemical classification of water types

Abstract

A water type is determined on the basis of subsequently the Cl-content, alkalinity, the most impor­ tant cation and anion and a new parameter, (Na + K + Mg)- corrected for sea salt. The most important cation and anion are selected on preponderance in the ion balance, not by itself which is tradition, but including the sup­ port of geohydrochemical family members. The new system results in easier identification of hydro- geochemical processes, like cation exchange, acidifica­ tion and leaching of manure, in a universal applicability and in an easy handling, with options to further dif­ ferentiate or associate. Two examples of application to The Netherlands are discussed and a listing of a compu- terprogram in FORTRAN-77 is included.