Assessment of Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) of Taraka Watershed, H D Kote Taluk, Mysuru District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The preliminary hydrogeochemical studies in Taraka watershed area assess the groundwater quality index. Groundwater samples from 30 bore wells of hard rock areas of Taraka watershed were collected pre and post monsoon seasons and chemical analysis. It is found that, in general most of the chemical constituents are within the maximum permissible limits of WHO standards for drinking water and Indian drinking water standards. The present study represents an evaluation of the groundwater’s suitability for drinking and identification of the quality which place a high priority on this factor. In order to assess the subsurface water in the Fourteen (14) distinct physiochemical parameters were examined. Values were compared to BIS. Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) is a composite indicator of water quality. The fourteens parameter is followed by PH Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Hardness (TH), Total Dissolved Salt (TDS), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Nitrate (No3), Chloride (Cl), Bicarbonate (HCO3), Sulfate (So4), Fluoride (F). The results were then analyzed using WATCHIT (Water Chemistry interpretive Techniques). However, analytical results show that in its purest state, water has a neutral pH of 7, which shows the amount of hydrogen ions present. The pH range for drinking water should be 6.5 to 8.5 (BIS, 2012). The groundwater of the hard rock terrain has electrical conductivity ranging from pre and post monsoon 173 μs/cm to 1622 μs/cm and 192 μs/cm to 1050 μs/cm. The GWQI assesses different parameters that can be rapidly and simply communicated to its intended audience. One of the best methods for determining if groundwater is suitable for drinking is the Water Quality Index (WQI). According to the recovered elements, geology, agriculture, precipitation, domestic wastewater, and industrial effluents all had a part in the sources exceeding the allowable limit. The investigation’s findings showed that some groundwater samples had deficient water quality, showing that the region is known for rock weathering and salt draining from the bedrock into the water supplies, posing a serious threat to the ecology. The river beds and rural water supplies have either dried up or become useless due to quality deterioration.