Suitability of drinking water sources of developmental blocks of Dehradun using Water Quality Index (WQI)

Abstract

To ensure safe water supply in accordance with meeting out quality criteria for drinking and domestic needs, the present study was undertaken to assess the suitability of 32 drinking water sources of 4 developmental blocks of Dehradun for drinking purpose during pre and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2017. The obtained water quality data of drinking water sources was further applied for the calculation of weighted arithmetic Water Quality Index (WQI). Most of the water sources during pre-monsoon season were graded as ‘A’ with good quality due to having low WQI values. However, two sites were found of ‘B’ class, another two were classified as ‘C’ grade owing to higher WQI values and thus, categorized as having poor water quality. One sampling site was recorded with highest WQI value (92.32) and its water quality was found very poor for drinking purpose. During post-monsoon season, all analyzed water sources showed low WQI values, which indicates ‘A’ class i.e. excellent water quality. The higher WQI values during pre-monsoon season have been inferred owing to higher calcium, magnesium and iron concentrations assessed during the study.