Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Drinking Purpose by Using Water Quality Index (WQI) in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli Districts, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

A water quality index (WQI) numerically summarizes the information from multiple water quality parameters into a single value that is understandable and usable by the public. This information can be used to assess spatial and temporal variations in overall water quality. However, these indices are time and region specific and may be influenced by local factors. Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts of Uttar Pradesh are situated in Ganga-Yamuna doab of fertile alluvium of Indo-gangetic basin where the demands for surface water and groundwater are growing with rapid increase in agricultural and industrial activities. In the present study, water quality index is worked out to assess the spatial variation of groundwater quality status for future planning and management of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts using WQI. Data of 104 groundwater samples covering the whole districts have been used. The Water Quality Index has been computed using five parameters viz., pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, Chloride and Sulphate. The WQI results show that the overall water quality class is ‘good’ and water is acceptable for domestic use.