Physiochemical Analyses of Underground Water (Spring and Handpump Water) collected from Kargil District, Ladakh UT, India

Abstract

Abstract Out of the 71% water available on the earth surface only 3% is freshwater. Most of the fresh water (96.5%) is locked in the glaciers and only 3.5 % is available for drinking. Due to anthropogenic activities and environmental changes, the drinking water is getting contaminated and the drinking water leads to various diseases. So having a quality water is becoming challenging day by day. Various low-income countries are facing shortage of safe drinking water. In the present study an attempt was made to assess the quality of drinking water from two main sources (Silmoo (Gongma Ranthak Lakha) Spring water and GM Pore handpump water) in the Kargil District, Ladakh UT, India. Total 10 physico-chemical parameters viz. Colour, Taste, Odor, Temperature, pH, Conductivity, Turbidity, Total hardness, Calcium concentration, and Magnesium concentration were assessed as per standards. Most of the parameter of both the water sources were found within the permissible limits as per BIS and WHO. However, we have reported higher magnesium concentration (82.54mg/L) in Silmoo (Gongma Ranthak Lakha) Spring water samples, which is considered good for health, perhaps improving muscular function and lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease.