Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking purpose in a watershed of Bundelkhand region

Abstract

The present study is aimed at assessing water quality of groundwater in Ur river watershed, Bundelkhand region, India. Sampling was done in years 2014 and 2016 where, 25 samples were collected and analysed for 8 physico-chemical parameters. A Water Quality Index (WQI) was evaluated based on these parameters, which include pH, turbidity, fluoride, nitrate, iron, hardness, chloride and total dissolved solids. The assessment results are compared with drinking water quality standards by Bureau of Indian Standards IS 10500 (2012). The WQI values of samples were found in the range from 11.46 – 225.57 in 2014 and 140.81– 479.87 in 2016. The results revealed that the quality of water has declined from 2014 to 2016. High values of turbidity, nitrate and hardness in sampling locations indicate the unsuitability of groundwater for drinking purpose. The study lays emphasis on periodic monitoring and evaluation of water quality and flags the need of management practices for protection of the sources of drinking water.