This Piper diagram simplifies the visualization of complex groundwater chemistry by combining two ternary diagrams with a central diamond plot. It shows the relative proportions of major cations and anions to reveal distinct water types, normalizing concentrations into percentages for accurate comparison regardless of total salinity.

Designed for tracking coastal seawater intrusion, this diagram highlights the chemical shift from fresh, calcium-bicarbonate water to saline, sodium-chloride water. Color-coded background zones (Fresh, Intrusion, Sea, and Freshening) provide immediate context to quickly diagnose aquifer health and pinpoint contamination pathways.

This analysis is commonly used by water utilities, environmental consultants, and hydrogeologists to assess aquifer sustainability, monitor drinking water quality, and support groundwater management decisions in coastal regions.

The data for this template can be found below to download and customize:

• Seawater-Sample-Data.xlsx

In addition, to match the classes shown in the display here exactly, you can apply a Grapher class file (GCL).  To apply it, do the following:

1. Select the class plot (such as Anion or Cation in this example)
2. In the Property Manager, on the Plot tab, click Classes | Edit…
3. In the Edit Classes dialog, click Load…
4. Select the GCL file available from this ZIP: Well-Classes.zip
5. Click OK

Industry Focus: Water Resources, Environmental Science, Hydrogeology, Groundwater Management, Agriculture, Mining, Public Policy
Graph Features: Piper