INTERPRETATION OF GROUND WATER QUALITY DATA VARIATION THROUGH CORRELATION STUDIES

To find an approach to water quality management through correlation studies between various water quality parameters, the regression analysis was carried out for six sampling sites of Batlagundu at Dindigul District. As many as 21 water quality parameters were taken in to account in the correlation analysis, and the results were compared with drinking water quality standards issued by WHO. It is found that most of the water samples are not potable. In the present study, the statistical parameters like correlation coefficient(r), variance ratio (F) and standard error of the estimate (S) of the ground water have been calculated. A strong correlation is observed for the parameters TDS (0.99), chloride (0.99) and sodium (0.88) with electrical conductivity. A significant correlation is observed for the parameters calcium (0.55), Magnesium (-0.54), dissolved oxygen (-0.57) and total hardness (-0.55) with pH. This analysis also reveals that the ground water of this area needs some degree of treatment before consumption and it is also needed to be protected from further contamination.