Potable water quality assessment of traditionally used springs in a hilly town of Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Abstract

The quality of spring water and its suitability for human consumption is determined by examining its physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. Preliminary investigations were conducted to determine the potability of seven traditionally used springs in the highly populated hill town of Bhaderwah in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The water analysis was performed for various physico-chemical and microbial parameters during April 2019-March 2020. Water temperature, TDS, EC, pH, DO, free CO2, total alkalinity, total hardness, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, CO32-, HCOֿ3, Cl‾, NOֿ3, PO43-, SO42-, total coliforms, and thermotolerant coliforms were all measured. Eleven physical and chemical characteristics were used to generate the Water Quality Index. The Piper diagram demonstrated the predominance of Ca2+-HCOֿ3 water types, whereas the Schoeller diagram indicated that all springs had a similar lithological origin. The chemical composition of springs tested met the required criteria for drinking water quality. The microbiological indicators, on the other hand, did not satisfy the criteria except for Eidgah spring, which lacked thermotolerant coliforms. Our results on spring water potability indicate that the town's most dependable springs are susceptible to anthropogenic contamination and therefore need treatment prior to use. Apart from frequent monitoring, the responsible municipal corporation is expected to develop comprehensive plans to rehabilitate and revitalise these vulnerable drinking water sources.