The chemical quality of groundwater of Bushehr, southwest of Iran, was assessed for its suitability for drinking purposes. Hydro-geochemical studies were carried out in this area to identify the geochemical processes and their relation to groundwater quality. A total of 19 water samples were collected from the aquifer. The samples were then analyzed for different physicochemical properties, such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), calcium, magnesium, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, and chloride concentrations. In this study, the average TDS content was in the range of 4419-10,066 mg l/l, and other important parameters of water, such as TH (1200-3500 mg l/1) and chloride (1046-3855 mg l/1), were also higher than the maximum permissible limits specified by WHO. On the basis of concentrations of major elements, studies of the study area showed that the total samples collected are unsuitable for drinking. Linear increase in sodium and chloride of the total dissolved ion indicated a dissolution of halite in the study area. Salinity of the aquifer is mainly a result of the Dalaki River recharge, dissolution of evaporated minerals intraformation, and also agricultural returned water. The dissolution of evaporite minerals, such as halite and gypsum, has increased the concentration of total dissolved solids and of sulfate in the Shahpour River and also groundwater entering the study area has caused salinity in this river.

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