Abstract:
Groundwater is a critical natural resource across the Indo-Gangetic Basin, sustaining agricultural
productivity, industry and livelihoods for millions of people. The sedimentary aquifer is used extensively for
irrigation and is also an important source of drinking water in growing urban centres. However, this resource is
being impacted by anthropogenic activities leading to groundwater pollution, and falling groundwater tables in some
regions. It is therefore important to establish an understanding of the spatial variation of the baseline water quality
status of groundwater bodies in this heavily impacted aquifer. In this pilot study we have investigated the water
quality of both the shallow (<50 m deep) and deep (>50 m deep) aquifers at (19) paired sites across the Bist-Doab
catchment (9060 km2) in Northwest Punjab, India. This paper includes samples collected during February and May
in 2013. Groundwater samples were analysed for a suite of major and trace elements as well as field parameters.
Preliminary results from across the catchment are presented and the variations in baseline chemistry assessed in both
the shallow and deep sedimentary aquifers.
