Author:
Sharma H S,Rakesh R,Shrihari S
Abstract
Abstract
The availability of pure water is one of the most essential requirements for all living organisms. In rural areas of Udupi, Karnataka, India, well water serves as the primary source of water for residents. Hence the objectives of the study were to find the physical and chemical characteristics of the well water sources in Udupi taluk; and to assess the suitability of the well water sources in Udupi taluk for drinking purposes by determining water quality index (WQI). Water samples (n=24) were collected from open wells from Alevuru and Badagabettu-76 villages of Udupi taluk during October 2023. Water quality parameters analyzed were pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total alkalinity, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, chloride, sulphate, chemical oxygen demand and iron. The WQI revealed that the well water in majority of the sites was fit for drinking. All parameters were within the permissible limits in majority of the wells except for iron and pH.