The values of electrical conductivities obtained from all the surface water samples range from 90 to
100.2mmhos/cm with a mean value of 156.26mmhos/cm (Table 2). This value is below the critical water
conductivity of 3,000mmhos/cm (Gupta et al., 1998). This indicates that the water sources are not expected
to have any salinity problems as the electrical conductivity gives good indication of the extent of the dissolved
salts
The total dissolved solids (TDS) of the wells in the study area range from 150 to 247.40mg/l (Table 2).
These values are below the critical level of 4,000mg/l. Salinity level with regards to irrigation is very
important. The usage of a water source with very high salinity level increases the osmotic potential of the soil
water. An increase in the osmotic pressure of the soil solution increases the amount of energy, which plants
must expend to take up water from the soil. As a result, respiration is increased and the growth and yield of
most plants decline progressively as osmotic pressure increases.