Estimation of Ground Water Quality Index for Drinking Purposes in Ambah, India

Water sources available for drinking and other household purposes must be of high purity, free from chemical contaminants and microorganisms. However, the rapid population growth and industrialization, as well as the lack of wisdom to live in harmony with nature, had led to a deterioration in good water quality and resulted in water pollution. Therefore, pollution of water resources requires serious and immediate attention through regular monitoring of water quality. In the present study, the physicochemical properties of groundwater samples in and around Ambah in the town of Morena in M.P. India was studied to assess its suitability for public consumption. Water samples were collected at five different collection points in the selected area. The physico-chemical parameters were analyzed and the values obtained were compared with the standard values recommended by WHO and ISI. The corresponding water quality index has also been prepared and stated. The measured parameters were color, odor, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chloride and dissolved oxygen. Almost all of these parameters meet the guidelines for drinking water in many areas with the exception of a few. The water quality index for these samples varies from 58.69 to 93.73. The analysis shows that the groundwater in the area needs some treatment before it can be used.