CS(AR)-14/98-99 : Spatial evaluation of groundwater levels and its quality in Kakinada town, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The Deltaic Regional Centre of NIH has been monitoring groundwater levels and its quality in and around Kakinada town since 1994. In continuation of this program the spatial analysis of groundwater levels and its quality for the year 1998 is discussed in the report.

Total 164 groundwater samples were collected from 41 observation wells during the months of Feb.98, May 98, Aug.98 and Nov.98. The area covered by these observation wells is around 82 Sq.kms. The groundwater table contours were plotted for pre monsoon (May 98) and post monsoon (Nov. 98) periods and the approximate flow direction had been demarcated.

Groundwater samples have been analysed for physical and chemical parameters. The variation in each parameter is discussed in the report. Further, samples have been classified according to Stiff, Piper's and U.S, Salinity laboratory classifications and observed their seasonal changes. The groundwater quality parameters are also compared with WHO (1984) and ISI (1983) drinking water standards. The groundwater quality maps of TDS, Total hardness, Chloride and SAR have been prepared for pre monsoon (May 98) and post monsoon (Nov.98) periods and observed the change in spatial distribution, More studies are necessary to understand the vertical variation of groundwater quality in the study area.